Zambian president meets senior Chinese political advisor

LUSAKA, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has met with a senior Chinese political advisor, with both sides calling for deeper bilateral cooperation and closer ties between the two countries.

Shao Hong, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, conveyed warm greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping to President Hichilema on Thursday.

As this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Zambia, the friendly cooperation between the two countries has been flourishing and is at its historical best, Shao said.

He noted that China is willing to work with Zambia to implement the consensuses reached by the two heads of state and the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

China is ready to deepen political mutual trust with Zambia, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, enhance people-to-people ties, and continue advancing the China-Zambia comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, the Chinese official said.

President Hichilema asked Shao to convey his cordial greetings and best wishes to President Xi. He expressed gratitude for China's strong support in areas such as debt restructuring, market access and infrastructure development.

The president affirmed Zambia's commitment to the one-China principle and its readiness to deepen comprehensive cooperation with China. He also pledged to jointly implement the three global initiatives proposed by President Xi and to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

During his visit to Zambia, Shao also met with the speaker of Zambia's National Assembly and other officials.