LUSAKA, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Zambian President Edgar Lungu has congratulated Conservative Party leader Boris Johnson on his election as new party leader and next prime minister of the United Kingdom (UK), his office said on Wednesday.

The Zambian leader expressed confidence that the two countries will continue to actively develop and explore new areas of cooperation for the future benefit of citizens.

The two countries, he said, have cooperated in various areas of development, such as health, education, social protection, good governance, including water and sanitation.

Johnson takes over from Theresa May, who recently announced her resignation.