Zambian presidential candidate Hakainde Hichilema, one of the five campaigners for the Sept. 28 elections, has paid tribute to China for helping the south African country to develop, Zambia Daily Mail reported Friday.

Hichilema, leader of the umbrella United Democratic Alliance ( UDA), praised the Chinese government for having been helpful to Zambia and pledged to work with China once voted into office.

The Chinese government has played an important role in the economic development of Zambia and it is just proper that every Zambian recognizes the assistance, he said at a meeting organized by Ndola Press Club Wednesday night in Ndola, the capital of Copperbelt Province.

"Unlike our colleagues in other parties, we say thank you very much to China for the role she has played in the economic development of this country. We shall continue with this sound relationship when we take over office after September 28," he said.

Source: Xinhua