Your Excellency Mr. Rupiah Banda,

Hon. Vincent Mwale, Minister of Local Government,

Hon. Provincial Ministers, Hon. Members of Zambia-China Parliamentary Association,

Mme. Lin Yi, Vice President of The Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC),

Hon Dr. Kalombo Mwansa, Secretary General of Zambia China Friendship Association,

Dear friends,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Good Evening!

First of all, I would like to extend my warmest welcome to all guests for your attendance to today's function on behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Zambia. Meanwhile, I would like to express my warmest welcome to Mme. Lin Yi, Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and your delegation to visit Zambia. Welcome to Zambia!

Ladies and gentlemen,

The year 2019 marks the 70th Anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 55th Anniversary of the establishment of China-Zambia diplomatic relations, which is of great significance for both countries and the bilateral relations. The long distance between the two countries in geography never blocked the deep-rooted friendship between the two peoples. Since the beginning of the diplomatic relations in 1964, the two countries forged a brotherly friendship on the way of supporting each other and sharing weal and woe. The friendship between the older generations of leaders of the two countries is well known to all Chinese people. TAZARA is still a historic symbol of China-Zambia, even China-Africa friendship. It is the endeavor and sweat from all circles of peoples of China and Zambia that laid a solid foundation for the development of both countries.

Today, China-Zambia friendship keeps flourishing after 55 years. In the political sector, the two countries chart the blueprint for China-Africa win-win cooperation. Last September, H.E. President Edgar Lungu headed a high level government delegation to attend the FOCAC Beijing Summit. President Xi Jinping and President Lungu held a bilateral meeting. Both heads of state witnessed the signing of a series of important bilateral cooperation agreements and documents, included the MOU on cooperation within the framework of Belt and Road Initiative. The huge success of the visit fully reflects the high level of political mutual trust and friendly relations between China and Zambia.

In the economic sector, the two countries make the perfect match on the development strategies of China and Zambia. Last year, our bilateral trade volume reached 5 billion US dollars for the first time with a year-on-year growth of 33.9%. China's direct investment in Zambia maintained a constant growth with an increase of 327 million US dollars, once again ranking second among African countries. A number of key projects of practical cooperation in the fields of energy, infrastructure, livelihood and manufacturing also made remarkable progress, which provides strong support to Zambia's industrialization and the implementation of the 7th National Development Plan.

In the cultural sector, the two countries play a symphony with the theme of China-Zambia progressing hand in hand. The bilateral cooperation in the fields of people-to-people exchanges, including education, and media exchanges were continuously strengthened, and the public support for China-Zambia friendship was further consolidated. This friendly cooperation brings tangible benefits to peoples of both countries.

It's worth mentioning that the subnational communication plays a more and more vital role in the friendly exchanges between China and Zambia. We are delighted to see that, with the deepening development of relationships of two countries, a growing number of local authorities of both countries visited each other and expressed good wishes to establish twinning relations. China-Zambia friendship is extending from central authorities to local authorities, from government to all social circles.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I am very honoured today to attend the launch ceremony of Zambia-China Friendship Association today, together with H.E. Mr. Rupiah Banda, Hon. Dr. Kalombo Mwansa, Mme. Lin Yi and many Zambian friends who are devoted themselves to the China-Zambia friendship. ZCFA will become a brand new platform of non-governmental exchanges between China and Zambia. We are greatly honoured to have H.E. Dr. Kenneth Kaunda to hold honorary president, Your Excellency Mr. Rupiah Banda to hold president and Hon. Dr. Kalombo Mwansa to hold Sectary General. There is foundation, intention and now a new platform for the friendly exchanges between China and Zambia. I sincerely hope that, with joint efforts from all sides, we will be able to take the opportunity of implementing the FOCAC Beijing Summit outcomes and celebrating the 55th anniversary of the establishment of China-Zambia diplomatic relations, give full play to the three advantages of traditional friendship, economic complementarity and people-to-people mutual understanding, and constantly open up new prospects for win-win cooperation and common development between China and Zambia.

Firstly, maximise the new opportunities created by FOCAC Beijing Summit. Last September, President Xi Jinping expressed in a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the FOCAC Beijing Summit that China would extend US$60 billion of financing to Africa and launch eight major initiatives. Now, China and Zambia are working together to promote the implementation of the outcomes of FOCAC Beijing Summit. I hope that governments of all levels of both countries will intensify cooperation and exchanges to achieve win-win cooperation and joint development under the framework of the FOCAC.

Secondly, innovate new channels of pragmatic cooperation. Last September, Zambia officially announced to join the Belt and Road Initiative. The joint efforts of our two countries for the Belt and Road Initiative will surely offer more diversified resources and opportunities for the national development of Zambia, and enlarge the market and space for the enterprises. Each Zambian province has its own diversified and unique resources. I hope that the provinces will make the most of local resource advantages and transforms them into economical superiority. I hope that local authorities may pool your strengths to expand bilateral cooperation and to build high-quality, high-level cooperation projects with local features.

Thirdly, nurture new strength of China-Zambia friendship. Zambia has abundant resources of tourism and culture. Year 2019 is a China-Zambia Cultural Year. There will be lots of opportunities to deepen communication, explore new areas on cooperation of tourism and culture, enhance regular cultural and tourism exchanges between the regions of our two countries. I am sure the relations will bring more tangible benefits to peoples of both countries.

The developments of China-Zambia relations benefit by the support from the governments and peoples of our two countries. The Chinese Embassy in Zambia is willing to serve as a bridge for the bilateral relationship. We will continue to provide strong support, and join hands with all of you to push China-Zambia cooperation forward!

Finally, I wish the visit of Ms.Lin Yin a great success and all of you an enjoyable night!

Thank you!