China enhances ties with Zambia

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Source: CCTV.com | 02-05-2007 08:18

Hu Jintao meets with his Zambian counterpart, Levy Patrick M-wana-wasa

Chinese President, Hu Jintao, is in Zambia as part of his continuing eight nation African tour. During talks on Saturday with his Zambian counterpart, Levy Patrick M-wana-wasa, Hu said ties between China and Zambia are developing steadily.

The Chinese president was warmly welcomed upon his arrival on Saturday morning in the Zambian capital, Lusaka.

Hu Jintao said in a written statement that Sino-Zambian ties have stood the test of time. He noted that Zambia was the first country in southern Africa to establish formal diplomatic ties with China. And 42 years on, their bilateral cooperation is bearing fruits in many fields. China is the third largest investor in the country.

In later talks between the two presidents, Hu Jintao put forward a 4-point plan to further deepen the bilateral ties.

First, the two countries should strengthen dialogue and consultation to increase political mutual trust.

Second, the two countries should continue promoting mutually-beneficial economic and trade cooperation. In supporting Zambia's efforts to reduce poverty and invigorate its economy, China will establish a special economic and trade zone in Zambia.

Third, the two countries should increase exchanges of personnel and cultural exchanges.

Fourth, the two countries need to conduct closer coordination on major international issues. The two countries should do more to safeguard developing countries' interests.

For his part, Mwanawasa said Zambia want to work closely with China and that China is already a strategic partner for Africa. He said Zambia supports China's reunification drive and the one-China principle.

Hu Jintao and his Zambian counterpart, Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, jointly attend the inauguration of the Zambia-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone in Lusaka Sunday.. Full Story >>

After the talks, the two presidents attended a signing ceremony for 8 bilateral cooperation agreements.

On Saturday night, Hu Jintao attended a banquet given in his honor. In an effort to address some African nations' concerns about trade frictions, he said the Chinese government does not encourage Chinese enterprises to squeeze into other markets solely by increasing exports. Instead, the Chinese government encourages Chinese enterprises in investing more in areas which benefit the lives of African people.

Hu said, "The facts have shown and will continue to show that on the African people's great march toward peace and development, the Chinese people will always be their time-tested and trusted friends, partners and brothers."

Zambia is the fourth leg of Hu's eight-nation Africa tour, which has already taken him to Cameroon, Liberia and Sudan. He will move on to visit Namibia, South Africa, Mozambique and Seychelles.

Editor:Du Xiaodan