China, Zambia to further economic, trade cooperation

Chinese top legislator Wu Bangguo said Friday in Beijng that China treasures its sincere friendship with Zambia, and is ready to further enhance Sino-Zambian economic and trade cooperation.

Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China, made the remarks when meeting with Ronnie Shikapwasha, special envoy of the Zambian president and Zambian Foreign Minister.

He said China and Zambia enjoy traditional friendship and have conducted fruitful cooperation in various areas in recent years. China appreciates the Zambian government's persistent adherence to the one-China policy.

China is willing to make joint efforts with Zambia to upgrade the level of bilateral cooperation, he added.

Shikapwasha delivered Wu a letter from Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa to Chinese President Hu Jintao. He said China is a reliable friend of Zambia. Over the years, it has rendered selfless assistance to Zambia's economic development and construction.

"Zambia firmly pursues the one-China policy, and will work closely with China to expand bilateral cooperation in various fields." he said.

Shikapwasha noted that a China-Zambia jointly-funded explosives factory blew up in Zambia this April, which caused casualties and property losses. The Chinese government and leaders expressed sincere sympathy and provided Zambia with timely emergency aid. "The Zambian government and people were quite grateful for that." he said.

Wu said following the accident, the Chinese government and leaders had conveyed sympathy and condolences to the families and relatives of the victims. China has offered what it can for Zambia's rescue work.

"We appreciate the efforts Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa and the government made in dealing with the accident." he said.

Under the joint efforts of both sides, Wu said, the accident was properly handled, which fully demonstrated that China and Zambia are all-weather friends.

"China is ready to continuously beef up economic and trade cooperation with Zambia." he said.

Source: Xinhua