China and Zambia strengthen ties with strategic cooperation talks

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang and Zambian Vice President Mutale Nalumango met on Tuesday in Zhejiang Province, China, to discuss deepening bilateral cooperation between their nations.

The meeting highlighted the longstanding friendship between China and Zambia and underscored their growing partnership within the broader context of China-Africa relations and South-South cooperation.

Ding, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China, emphasized that China views Zambia as a strategic global partner with shared historical ties.

He stated, “The two countries have set a good example of China-Africa cooperation and solid coordination among Global South nations.”

Ding further affirmed China’s commitment to advancing the implementation of the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, following the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

He called for increased collaboration in key sectors, particularly infrastructure, agriculture, and minerals, with the aim of elevating Sino-Zambian relations to new heights.

“We are ready to work together to build on these strategic areas and contribute to mutual progress,” Ding added.

Vice President Nalumango, who is currently in China to attend the 2024 Wuzhen Summit of the World Internet Conference (WIC), praised the enduring friendship between the two nations.

She remarked that Zambia greatly values China’s valuable support in its development and is eager to continue strengthening bilateral cooperation.

“Zambia is committed to enhancing relations with China and promoting further development of our ties and the broader relationship between Africa and China,” Nalumango said.

The Wuzhen Summit, taking place from November 19-22 in the picturesque town of Wuzhen, Zhejiang Province, serves as a platform for global leaders to discuss the future of the internet and technology, with a focus on fostering international collaboration.