The fatal accident Wednesday at a Chinese-owned industrial explosive plant in Zambia's Copperbelt province won't affect the traditional friendship and cooperation between Zambia and China, Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa said Sunday.

The president made the remarks in Copperbelt province capital Ndola while meeting a Chinese government delegation that arrived in Zambia Saturday to convey the condolence of the Chinese government and people to the families and relatives of those killed or injured in the blast at BGRIMM Explosive (Zambia) Ltd., Kalulushi city, which killed 46 people and injured two others.

President Mwanawasa thanked the Chinese government for sending the senior delegation headed by assistant commerce minister Chen Jian.

China has shown its concern and sympathy to the unfortunate accident. Zambian people appreciate and is encouraged by the visit of the delegation, he said.

He also thanked the Chinese government for offering an mergency aid of 500,000 US dollars in cash in addition to material assistance including food and blankets after the accident and for providing various support and assistance to Zambia over the years.

China's assistance commerce minister Chen Jian conveyed the condolence to the victims of the accident and their families on behalf of Chinese President Hu Jintao, the Chinese government and people.

China greatly regrets the heavy loss of people in the accident and is willing to provide any technical assistance to find out the cause of the accident, he said.

Chen said relations between China and Zambia have stood the test of time and difficult situations, and that China is ready to work together with Zambia to further promote friendly cooperation between the two countries.

After the meeting in Ndola, President Mwanawasa and Chen Jian inspected the accident site and met with families of the deceased at a local school.

The Chinese delegation also paid a visit to one of the injured persons at the China-Zambia Friendship Hospital in Kitwe.

C. Bwalya, 24, is one of the two persons injured in the accident. The other one has been discharged.