Lusaka, Thursday, 15 May 2025 —
Zambia today reaffirmed its enduring commitment to strategic cooperation with the People’s Republic of China as President Hakainde Hichilema received Mr. Erkin Tuniyaz, Chairman of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, at State House in Lusaka.
The high-level visit underscored the robust and growing partnership between Zambia and China, with a focus on deepening economic collaboration and fostering mutual development. Mr. Tuniyaz led an elaborate delegation from Xinjiang, marking a significant moment in diplomatic engagement between the two nations.
President Hichilema expressed gratitude for the continued support and cooperation from China, reaffirming Zambia’s unwavering commitment to the One-China Policy and recognising the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government of China.
“Zambia deeply values its long-standing and strategic partnership with China, grounded in mutual respect, trust, and shared development goals,” President Hichilema stated.
Amid evolving global geopolitical dynamics, Zambia and China’s bilateral relationship remains a key pillar of regional and international cooperation. The President highlighted Xinjiang’s strategic economic role, particularly in sectors that align with Zambia’s development agenda, including:
- Textile manufacturing, with potential for job creation through industrial growth
- Renewable energy, to power Zambia’s clean energy transition
- Agriculture, aimed at strengthening food security and agro-export capacity
- Mining, leveraging Zambia’s rich mineral resources for sustainable extraction and value addition
- Logistics and infrastructure development, to enhance regional and global trade links
The delegation’s visit comes at a time when Zambia is accelerating efforts to diversify its economy and foster inclusive growth. Both sides expressed enthusiasm for new avenues of cooperation that prioritise technology transfer, skills development, and investment in critical sectors.
As Zambia continues to position itself as a key player in Africa’s development story, President Hichilema affirmed that partnerships such as the one with Xinjiang will be essential in achieving the country’s vision of economic transformation and prosperity for all citizens.
The visit concluded with bilateral discussions aimed at mapping out practical steps to advance cooperation, including exchange programmes, public-private partnerships, and sectoral investments.
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