Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Central Committee Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC), highlighted the development of China's relations with Zambia since the two nations forged diplomatic relations 43 years ago. He said that the friendly and cooperative relations between the two nations had set an example for ties between China and other African nations.

The two countries have shared a solid historical and social foundation to boost ties, Li said, noting that the two sides maintained frequent high-level exchange, expanded their political mutual trust and had forged close coordination on many international issues in recent years.

He expressed his appreciation to Zambia's long-term adherence to the one-China policy, saying that the CPC valued its ties with MMD and would make concerted efforts with the MMD side to boost bilateral cooperation.

"I hope the cooperation will serve not only to increase mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples and two parties, but also to help boost bilateral relations," the CPC leader said.

Pande, also Zambia's Foreign Minister and a special envoy of Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa, extended his congratulations on the successful convening of the 17th National Congress of the CPC. He said he hoped to fortify the friendly relations between the two countries.

He reiterated that Zambia would continue to stick to the one-China policy.

Pande arrived here on Sunday as a guest of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee.

In addition to Beijing, he will also visit China's economic powerhouse Shanghai and Nanchang in Jiangxi Province. While in the central province he will study China's rural development and poverty alleviation, an official with the department said.