A Chinese envoy said in Lusaka Wednesday that the Chinese government will continue giving its full support to Zambia in helping the country develop its economy as it did over the past four decades.

Chinese Counselor to Zambia Zhao Zhanbin said in an interview that China and Zambia has been sharing a cordial relationship since or even before Zambia gained independence in 1964, as exemplified by the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA) which was constructed under the assistance of the Chinese government.

Zhao said, besides the TAZARA, China has assisted Zambia in paving roads, building houses, donating equipment to media houses and relief food when the country was hit by food shortage.

China has also helped train a large number of technicians and engineers from Zambia in various fields, Zhao said.

The envoy said China has been adhering to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence when developing diplomatic relations with Zambia and other countries. The five principles are mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence.

Zhao said it was on the basis of these principles that China has striven to develop relations of friendship and cooperation with Zambia and other countries.

The envoy said Africa is a gifted land abundant with natural resource and countries, and African countries should try their best to maintain peace and stability as this is vital to attract more investment.

Source: Xinhua