China, Zambia vow to further promote ties

BEIJING, March 30 -- China and Zambia vowed to further promote their traditional friendship and expand cooperation on Monday.

The pledge came out of talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Zambian President Edgar Lungu, who is here for a state visit at the invitation of Xi and the annual conference of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA).

Xi said the traditional friendship between China and Zambia is a common wealth for the two countries and should be cherished. China is ready to work with Zambia to make the relationship an example featuring equity, mutual trust, cooperation and reciprocity.

He asked the two countries to maintain high-level engagements, increase experience sharing on national governance and continue to support each other on issues involving core interests and major concerns.

Xi called on the two countries to give full play to the current trading and investment promotion center, agriculture promotion center and trade to deepen cooperation in areas including infrastructure construction, mining, agriculture, processing manufacturing, investment and trade.

China will encourage and help more companies invest in Zambia and hopes they could provide more favorable condition, he said.

China will collaborate with Zambia and Tanzania in the operation of a railway connecting the two African countries, to promote the development and prosperity of the region along the line, Xi noted.

He also called for more exchanges in education, culture, sports, media and young people, as well as close communication and coordination on major international and regional affairs.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), a platform established in 2000 for collective consultation, dialogue and partnership in the form of South-South cooperation.

Xi said China will work with other members of the forum to promote China-Africa unity and cooperation through the upcoming sixth ministerial meeting to be held in South Africa.

Lungu thanked China for its sincere and valuable assistance for Zambia's independence and social and economic development.

He said he hoped the two countries can further strengthen cooperation in such areas as trade, agriculture, infrastructure construction and electricity, and increase exchanges in culture, education, health, youth and tourism.

He said Zambia and China should strengthen coordination and cooperation in global and regional issues, and make the bilateral ties an all-weather friendly partnership.

Calling China a sincere friend and good partner, Lungu said he hoped Africa and China could continue to strengthen cooperation.

He said Africa stands for an open economic policy and is promoting regional integration. He said he hoped China could join Africa's regional cooperation.

After the talks, the two presidents witnessed the signing of four cooperation agreements covering economic technology, infrastructure construction and communication.

On Monday afternoon, Lungu offered a wreath to the Monument to the People's Heroes in Beijing's Tian'anmen Square.