President Hichilema reaffirms Zambia–China strategic partnership, highlights shared development agenda

President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed Zambian government’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations with China, which have been elevated to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

Hichilema said Zambia looks forward to continued collaboration with China in advancing sustainable development, regional and international stability, and a shared future of prosperity.

The Head of State said this in a speech delivered on his behalf by Labour and Social Security Minister, Brenda Tambatamba, during the 76th Anniversary of Chinese National Day celebrations in Lusaka on Thursday evening.

“This momentous occasion marks not only a celebration of China’s remarkable achievements over the past decade, but also the enduring strength of your nation’s unity, resilience and commitment to progress,” Hichilema said.

He stated that China’s accomplishments in economic transformation, poverty reduction, technological advancement, and global engagement continued to inspire countries across the world.

Hichilema said Zambia and China shared a longstanding and fruitful partnership grounded in mutual respect, solidarity, and cooperation.

“We remain deeply appreciative of China’s unwavering support towards Zambia’s development agenda, including its invaluable assistance such as the revitalization of TAZARA and the Chisamba Solar Plant,” he stated.

The president further cited the construction of the Lusaka–Ndola Dual Carriageway, the Kafue Gorge Lower project, and China’s continued commitment through platforms such as the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the Belt and Road Initiative.

Hichilima also acknowledged the Global Governance Initiative announced by President Xi Jinping during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus Summit in Tianjin, saying Zambia welcomes and supports efforts to reform the global governance structure.

Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Han Jing said practical cooperation between the two countries had yielded significant results over the past year.

He cited the completion and handover of the 100-megawatt Chisamba Solar Power Plant, the expansion of Huaxin Cement Plant in Ndola, and the reopening of the Lubambe Copper Mine as key milestones.

“More joint projects, including the Lusaka–Ndola dual carriageway, Phase 2 of the Itimpi Solar Power Plant, and the dewatering of Shaft 28 at Luanshya Copper Mine, are making substantial progress,” he said.

Jing further revealed that at the Invest Zambia International Conference in July, Chinese companies signed agreements worth US$2.6 billion with Zambian partners.

He said Chinese investment, technology, and managerial expertise had significantly contributed to economic growth, job creation, and public well-being.
“Over the past year, China and Zambia have enjoyed closer communication and coordination in multilateral affairs. Together, we have upheld genuine multilateralism, supported the role of the UN, and contributed to the peaceful settlement of global and regional hot-spot issues,” Jing said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe, said beyond infrastructure and trade, Zambia–China cooperation had flourished in education, healthcare, and cultural exchange.

He noted that Zambian students continued to benefit from scholarships to Chinese universities, while medical missions and vocational training programmes have enhanced service delivery and built critical skills.

“We are proud of the expanding bonds between our peoples, and we believe that these linkages and connections, rooted in friendship and understanding, will continue to serve as the true foundation of a long-lasting partnership,” Haimbe said.

“At the United Nations and other international fora, China has been a consistent voice for the interests of developing countries and an advocate for South-South cooperation. In a world facing increasingly complex challenges, from climate change to global health emergencies, such leadership is not only welcome; it is essential,” Haimbe added.

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