LUSAKA, June 19 -- Visiting Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao said here on Thursday that China is committed to further deepening its friendly ties with Zambia.

China and Zambia have engaged in frequent exchanges in politics, trade and culture in recent years, which not only boost their traditional friendship, but also promote the sound and steady development of bilateral ties, Li said while meeting with Zambia's first President Kenneth Kaunda.

The ties have set an example for China-Africa ties as well as cooperation between developing countries, Li said.

He also expressed his gratitude for the help Zambia and Tanzania had given in ensuring China was given a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council.

Kaunda, 90, said he was happy that 2014 marks not only the 50th anniversary of Zambia's independence, but also the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Zambia.

establishment of since Zambia and China established their formal ties.

"I am humbled that the seeds we planted in 1964 have contributed to the deepening of links involving the people of China, Zambia, Tanzania, Africa, and indeed, much of the world. China's relationship with Zambia helped pioneer the links China has with Africa and other parts of the world," he said.

China's position as one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council has helped create balance in world politics, Kaunda pointed out.

He also thanked China for having been an all-weather friend of Zambia, saying the profound ties have brought firm friendship between Zambia and China.

China has helped the southern African country in infrastructure projects as well as other sectors of the economy, he said.

"China provided interest-free loans of friendship. They did not provide harsh conditionalities to their assistance," he added.