On 21 January 2024, ten days after the Chinese Embassy in Zambia announced nine assistance measures to help Zambia fight the ongoing cholera outbreak, a Chinese vaccine company sent a delegation to Lusaka, who one day later had discussions at the State House with all relevant Zambian authorities over the possibility of cholera vaccine production here in Zambia. On 28 January, the delegation paid a visit to local pharmaceutical companies. This is another action taken by the Chinese side to effectively and efficiently implement the consensus of the two Heads of State and China’s nine assistance measures.
As cholera continues to ravage this country, the Chinese people share the sorrow of our Zambian brothers and sisters. This is why the Chinese government and people have acted swiftly by mobilizing all resources available in the most proactive manner and offering assistance to the best of its abilities. On 11 January, President Hakainde Hichilema and I jointly attended a press conference on China supporting Zambia in the fight against cholera, where I announced nine assistance measures, including official assistance in cash, on-site guidance from Chinese medical experts, construction of a clinic, donation of medical and daily supplies, donation of water tanks, a water supply project and possible cooperation in the production of anti-cholera drugs and vaccines, with a total value of more than 20 million Kwacha.
Later on, the Association of Chinese Corporations in Zambia, the Zambia Chinese Association and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Zambia organized Chinese nationals and businesses in Zambia to make donations in cash and in kind and worked closely with the Zambian government, local communities and people, through actions such as the donation of water tanks with a capacity of 360 tons of clean and safe water per day and medical and daily supplies worth about 7 million Kwacha. These have significantly contributed to the local efforts against cholera. 10 medical experts from the 24th Chinese Medical Team and the 26th Chinese Military Medical Expert Team have entered the National Heroes Stadium Cholera Treatment Center and are working with their Zambian counterparts to provide health services and assist in the dissemination of cholera prevention and control knowledge.
In the next phase, cooperation in the production of medicines, medical supplies and cholera vaccines and the second phase of the Kafue Bulk Water Supply Project undertaken by a Chinese company will be materialized one by one. As President Hichilema said, China is a true friend and good brother of Zambia, and China’s support covers short, medium and long-term measures, which will help Zambia ultimately beat the cholera outbreak.
As we fight shoulder to shoulder against cholera, the joint effort by China and Zambia to search for and rescue seven miners trapped underground in Ndola since 22 January continues.
All of these are just a glimpse into the long history of the 60 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Zambia. Over these 6 decades, China and Zambia have always been trustworthy all-weather friends supporting each other in times of need. Mutual respect, equality and common development have always been major principles guiding our relations. 54 years ago, China selflessly assisted in the construction of TAZARA when it was experiencing huge difficulties at home, in support of Zambia’s national independence and development. 53 years ago, Zambia, as one of the co-sponsors of Resolution 2758 adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, helped China restore its lawful seat at the UN and resolutely defended the One-China Principle. 46 years ago, the first Chinese Medical Team travelled thousands of miles to Zambia. Since then, 993 Chinese medical experts have come to this country to provide health services. During the COVID-19 pandemic, China donated vaccines and other anti-COVID supplies.
China has been working hard to put into practice the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind proposed by its President Xi Jinping. This vision offers a Chinese solution to what kind of place the world should be and how to realize it. The goal is to build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world of lasting peace, universal security and shared prosperity. China and Zambia, by supporting each other and joining hands in meeting global challenges in the pursuit of common prosperity and development in the past 60 years, have made themselves a major force to advocate and execute the vision.
The two Heads of State decided to upgrade China-Zambia relations to a Comprehensive Strategic and Cooperative Partnership and designated 2024 as the Year of Business Cooperation as well as the Year of Culture and Tourism. Embarking on a new journey, I have total confidence in an even more promising 60 years of China-Zambia relations under the guidance of the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind.