On Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema exchanged congratulatory messages to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between their countries.
President Xi highlighted that over the past six decades, China and Zambia have built a resilient relationship that has withstood changes in the international landscape. He noted that the two nations have upheld genuine friendship and collaborated for shared progress.
“In recent years, China and Zambia have engaged in frequent high-level exchanges, deepened political mutual trust, and achieved fruitful outcomes in practical cooperation,” Xi said. “We have supported each other on issues involving our core interests and major concerns, bringing benefits to both our countries and peoples.”
President Xi recalled President Hichilema’s participation in the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in September, where they jointly provided strategic guidance for the future development of bilateral relations. Xi expressed his commitment to working with Hichilema to use the anniversary as an opportunity to strengthen traditional friendship, reinforce mutual support, and enhance all-round cooperation.
He emphasized the desire to jointly advance the modernization drives of both countries, solidify the China-Zambia comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and build an even closer China-Zambia community with a shared future.
In his message, President Hichilema described the 60th anniversary as an important milestone in Zambia-China relations. He noted that the bilateral partnership, based on mutual respect, win-win cooperation, and common prosperity, has significantly contributed to the development of both nations.
Hichilema highlighted successful cooperation projects such as the Tanzania-Zambia Railway and the Kafue Gorge Lower Hydropower Station. He affirmed Zambia’s continued support for major initiatives like the Belt and Road cooperation and expressed readiness to work with China to build a community with a shared future for mankind.
“I am ready to work with President Xi to create a better future and push for greater development of Zambia-China all-weather friendship and our comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership,” Hichilema added.
Reference(s):
Chinese, Zambian presidents mark 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties
cgtn.com
