China will unswervingly pursue a policy of promoting the
traditional Sino-Zambian friendship and cementing bilateral
cooperation, said President Hu Jintao Wednesday during his meeting
with Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa.
Hu, who is at the UN headquarters in New York to attend the UN
summit on the 60th anniversary of its founding, said he and
Mwanawasa reached many important consensuses for enhancing
Sino-Zambian relations two years ago in Beijing. In the past two
years, thanks to the concerted efforts of both sides, many new
achievements were made in bilateral friendly cooperation in various
fields, he said.
Bilateral relations have witnessed frequent exchange of
high-level visits, continued expansion of trade and economic
cooperation, a bilateral trade that has reached record volumes and
closer bilateral consultation and cooperation in international
affairs, Hu said.
Hu reaffirmed the Chinese government's unswerving policy of
promoting the traditional Sino-Zambian friendship, cementing
bilateral friendly cooperation, adding that China stands ready to
work with Zambia to boost political mutual trust, promote mutually
beneficial cooperation, push the bilateral relations to a new level
so that the two countries will be good friends and partners
forever.
On the China-Africa Cooperation Forum, Hu said it has been
playing an important role in strengthening the bilateral dialogue
and enforcing pragmatic cooperation and the two sides will have the
opportunity to exchange views on issues of common concern and ways
to promote China-Africa friendship at the Sino-African Summit
scheduled for 2006 in Beijing.
Mwanawasa said that he fully agreed with the Chinese president
on bilateral relations, reiterated that his government will
resolutely pursue the one-China policy and is willing to join China
in enhancing bilateral friendship and cooperation.
He said he looked forward to attending the summit due to be held
at the China-Africa Cooperation Forum next year in China.
The two leaders also exchanged views on issues of UN
reforms.
Hu pointed out that China and Africa are all-weather friends and
partners and that China understands concerns of African countries
on the UN reforms, respects the Ezulwini Consensus and supports the
notion of giving priority to increasing the representation of
developing countries, especially that of the African countries, on
the UN Security Council.
Mwanawasa said he appreciated Hu's speech at the Security
Council summit earlier in the day, citing in particular China's
appeal for giving more attention to the calls of Africa.
He stressed that African countries are willing to keep close
consultation and coordination with China on relevant issues.
(Xinhua News Agency September 15, 2005)