Virtues of bilateral cooperation

China and Zambia are contributing to regional peace, stability and prosperity for the peoples of the region and the world at large by working together

China and Zambia have enjoyed warm and cordial bilateral relations marked by cooperation and mutual respect. The relationship between the two countries was founded by Zambia's founding father Kenneth David Kaunda and Chairman Mao Zedong 60 years ago and continues to grow. It is worth noting that the current leaders, President Hakainde Hichilema and his counterpart President Xi Jinping, have raised the relationship to that of Comprehensive Strategic and Cooperative Partnership, the highest classification applied to China's African partners, because of the strong bond of cooperation Zambia shares with China.

China assists Zambia with many projects, such as the construction of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway. It was built at a very critical moment when southern Africa was undergoing liberation wars. The railway line benefited not only Zambia but the whole of southern Africa, which critically needed the support and resources from Zambia, and everyone who believed in democracy and supported the liberation wars. China also supported Zambia in the construction of many roads and bridges, which include the Serenje-Mansa and the Mongu-Kalabo roads and more recently the construction of the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, the Kenneth Kaunda Wing of the Mulungushi International Conference Center and the Kafue Gorge Lower Hydropower Station, among other projects.

The infrastructure has not only expanded Zambia's productive capacities in many areas but also improved people's lives through improved access to healthcare, safe travel and improved opportunities for education.

The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, aimed at enhancing infrastructure connectivity and economic cooperation, is a good framework for strengthening the relations between Zambia and China, encouraging them to work together and building on their shared interests and goals, including the promotion of people-to-people relationships. Through this framework, the China-Zambia relationship has not only grown but diversified to many other areas, such as infrastructure construction, investment, trade, education, health, tourism and culture, among other things.

Zambia enjoys duty-free market access to a wide array of products originating in China apart from investments under the FOCAC. Chinese foreign direct investments in Zambia have been a significant factor in Zambia's economic development over the past decade. In fact, Zambia has become one of the countries enjoying the most Chinese direct investment in Africa. Therefore, while it is helping to resolve some of the immediate challenges such as enhancing managerial capabilities that exist in many developing countries, giving market access to products from Africa, Zambia included, the FOCAC framework is also closing the infrastructure gap, hence building productive resources, entrepreneurial capabilities and production linkages that will increase the African countries' productive capacities through energy access, improved road networks, improved health facilities and educated people through both short- and long-term scholarships to various Chinese universities.

Balancing development with environmental sustainability is crucial. Both China and African countries recognize the need to mitigate the impact of climate change by fostering the promotion of sustainable development and encouraging a harmonious relationship between humans and nature. The FOCAC framework is a good platform to promote climate change adaptation and mitigation measures because China, the largest developing country, combined with Africa, which has a large number of developing countries, can make a significant contribution with measures to promote sustainable development and address climate change at the global level. China, by sharing its expertise in the renewable energy space with the African countries through investment in renewable generation capacities, has been helping in reducing Africa's carbon footprint, contributing to efforts to promote sustainable energy solutions.

China and Zambia are contributing to regional peace, stability and prosperity for the peoples of the region and the world at large by working together, practicing principles of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith. These principles, by emphasizing mutual benefit, fair play, and sincere cooperation, are contributing to the trust, strong ties and partnership by facing up to and resolving common global challenges.

The FOCAC framework has expanded beyond economic cooperation to include cultural exchanges and people-to-people interactions. The people-to-people contacts have also become stronger, as seen by increased business and cultural visits between the two peoples. Currently, a Zambian cultural dance company is on a six-month tour of China, followed by a reciprocal visit by the Chinese equivalent. A Chinese film crew also paid a visit to Zambia in June to experience the country's tourism attractions and learn about the two countries' shared history by visiting the TAZARA memorial monument. These and numerous other interactions define the very relationship between China and Zambia.

The author is ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the Republic of Zambia to the People's Republic of China. The author contributed this article to China Watch, a think tank powered by China Daily.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

Contact the editor at editor@chinawatch.cn.