President Hichilema Confers With President Xi Jingping

President Hakainde Hichilema has held a telephone conversation with His Excellency Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China.

The two leaders spoke of the unshakeable friendship between their two nations, and the solid bedrock of cooperation that underpins the relationship, dating back to the days of Chairman Mao Zedong and President Kenneth Kaunda. They noted the importance of building on this strong foundation, to create an even brighter future for the benefit of both peoples.

President Xi spoke of the potential for Zambia to become a leading destination for Chinese investment, and of the opportunities for greater cooperation between the two nations in areas of mutual interest.

President Hichilema commended his counterpart for his leadership through initiatives such as the Forum for China Africa Cooperation, and thanked President Xi for the donation of COVID-19 vaccines from the First Lady of the People’s Republic of China. The leaders discussed the potential for further cooperation with regards to the production of COVID-19 vaccines.

President Hichilema expressed his appreciation for China’s readiness to commence work related to the Official Creditors’ Committee, and to Co-Chair the Committee, and noted that he looks forward to the convening of the first meeting. President Xi noted that he was eager to address the debt issue and was committed to working together within the G20 common framework in order to resolve it.

As our two nations take bold steps together in the spirit of genuine partnership, we look ahead to a new chapter of enhanced bilateral relations which will improve the lives of our citizens for generations to come.

Issued by:

Anthony Bwalya, Presidential Spokesperson