On 20th April, Ambassador Du Xiaohui attended the Award Ceremony of the essay competition held by the Zambia-China Friendship Association (ZCFA), and gave a speech. ZCFA Secretary General Dr. Fredrick Mutesa and other members of the national executive council of ZCFA were also present.

Ambassador Du said that the Spirit of China-Africa Friendship and Cooperation, proposed by President Xi Jinping, is the political guidance for China-Zambia relations. When cooperating with Zambia, China never forces any conditions onto the country. China supports the people of Zambia in independently choosing a development path that suits their national conditions and never interfere in Zambia’s internal affairs, or even take the liberty to make irresponsible remarks about the Zambian Government decisions. China’s cooperation with Zambia is what poor brothers do when they help each other. This cooperation is never exclusionary, but open, confident and benefits all. China opposes the so-called “New Cold War”, opposes putting up cliques and opposes bloc politics. The outcomes of the China-Zambia cooperation have brought opportunities to Zambia’s socioeconomic development, and also created more conducive conditions for Zambia’s cooperation with other international partners. China and Zambia, both as developing countries, share the same goal of development. Our two countries have huge cooperation potential for both traditional areas of trade and investment, and newly emerging industries.

Ambassador Du said that the fact that a large number of young Zambians who love China and the friendship between China and Zambia have participated in this writing competition, is a testament to the strong public support and vitality for the all-weather friendship. The Embassy is ready to work with all friendly civil society organizations to implement the Spirit of China-Africa Friendship and Cooperation,and deepen the China-Zambia all-weather friendship.

Dr. Mutesa recalled the history of friendship between China and Zambia, and said that the term “all-weather friendship” is not a meaningless cliche, but means a lot in the New Era.  Participants of the competition expressed their awareness and appreciation for the important contribution of China to Zambia’s economic development and they are desirous of seeing the relationship between our two countries and peoples grow from strength to strength. ZCFA will enhance partnerships with the media, communities and the youth, to strengthen economic, cultural and educational ties between Zambian and Chinese nationals.