Mr. Lai Bo, Charge d'Affaires a.i. of the Chinese Embassy in Zambia, met with Mrs. Isabel Matyola Lemba, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Zambia. He forwarded the message of condolences on the passing away of Former President of Zambia H.E. Mr. Rupiah Banda from State Councilor and Foreign Minister of China, H.E. Mr. Wang Yi to Foreign Minister of Zambia, Hon. Stanley Kakubo.

Mr. Lai said that the Chinese side is deeply saddened by the passing away of Mr. Banda. In the message, Mr. Wang Yi said that Mr. Banda was an experienced politician of Zambia who cared for and supported the development of China-Zambia friendly relations, and the Chinese side regrets the loss of such a good friend. With the joint efforts of both sides, the mutually beneficial and friendly cooperative relationship between the two countries will be consolidated and developed.

Mrs. Lemba expressed gratitude towards the message of condolences from Mr. Wang Yi. She said that Mr. Banda attached great importance to developing relations with China and made important contributions to strengthening Zambia-China cooperation, people to people exchange and mutual understanding. Zambia is willing to continue to promote bilateral relations and deepen practical cooperation with China, to the benefits of the two peoples. Before the meeting, Mr. Lai, as the Chinese representative, attended the state funeral held for Mr. Banda, and extended sincere condolences to the bereaved family.