China pays HH courtesy call

By MUBITA KATETE

CHINESE Ambassador to Zambia Han Jing yesterday paid a courtesy call on President-elect Hakainde Hichilema at Community House in Lusaka, where they discussed the longstanding bilateral relations between Zambia and China.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the two sides to exchange views on strengthening the existing relationship and exploring areas of mutual interest.

The engagement comes as Zambia prepares for the transition to a new administration, with continued cooperation between the two countries expected to remain an important aspect of bilateral relations.

Mr Han is the first foreign envoy to pay a courtesy call on Mr Hichilema following his re-election.

Mr Hichilema said the meeting provided an opportunity for the two sides to exchange views on a range of issues concerning the relationship between Zambia and China.

“We exchanged views on a range of matters concerning the longstanding bilateral relations between our two countries,” President Hichilema said.

He said Zambia valued its longstanding relationship with China and looked forward to continued engagement between the two countries.

China has over the years remained one of Zambia’s key bilateral partners, with cooperation extending to infrastructure development, trade, investment and other areas of economic development.