China and Zambia have agreed to boost political and economic cooperation and strengthen dialogue based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence, said a joint communique between the two countries issued here on Sunday.

The communique was signed by Zambian President Levy Patric Mwanawasa and his visiting Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao.

STRENGTHENING OF POLITICAL COOPERATION

During Hu's visit, leaders of the two countries had in-depth exchanges of views in a cordial and friendly atmosphere and reached broad agreement on building on the success of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), China-Zambia political and economic relations as well as international and regional issues of mutual interest, said the communique.

The two sides noted with satisfaction the healthy and steady growth of China-Zambia friendship and cooperation based on Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence, since the two countries established diplomatic ties 42 years ago, it said.

The two countries agreed to intensify consultation and dialogue, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, increase people-to-people and cultural interactions and strengthen international cooperation to boost the friendly ties, it said.

Both countries pledged to continue to support each other on matters concerning their sovereignty, territorial integrity, national stability and political and economic development, said the joint communique, noting Zambia reaffirmed its commitment to the one-China policy and its opposition to "Taiwanese independence" in any form.

Both sides agreed to strengthen consultation on international and regional issues, work together to uphold the interests of developing countries, promote South-South cooperation and boost North-South dialogue in a common effort to achieve the world's long-term peace and common prosperity, it said.

On FOCAC's positive role in boosting China-Africa relations, the two countries hailed the FOCAC Beijing Summit, which was held in November 2006, as a huge success and another milestone in the history of China-Africa ties.

PROMOTION OF ECONOMIC TIES

The two sides also agreed that their cooperation will be focused on infrastructure, agriculture, mining and human resources development, the document said.

The document said Zambia recognizes China as a market economy.

They will also encourage the business communities of both countries to enter into cooperation for mutual benefit, according to the joint communique.

In addition, the two sides also agreed to enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and expand cooperation in culture, education, health,tourism and aviation, it said.

One day earlier, Hu announced a package of measures designed to further boost bilateral relations, including debt relief, expanding Zambian tariff-free exports to China, setting up an economic zone in Zambia and assistance in the construction of infrastructure and other facilities.

In the joint communique, Zambian President Levy Patrick Mwanawasa expressed his appreciation to China for the selfless assistance over the years, while Hu applauded Zambia's remarkable achievements in economic development and its contribution to peace.

Zambia is the fourth leg of Hu's eight-nation African tour, which has taken him to Cameroon, Liberia and Sudan. He will also visit Namibia, South Africa, Mozambique and the Seychelles.

Hu's African trip comes only three months after the Beijing Summit of FOCAC. At the summit, leaders of China and 48 African countries discussed how to develop China-Africa relations and promote unity and cooperation among developing countries.

Source: Xinhua