PRESIDENT Banda yesterday held a private meeting with a delegation from the Communist Party of China (CPC), which is in the country to strengthen ties between Zambia and China.
The meeting, which lasted about 30 minutes, took place at State House and was attended by MMD national chairman Michael Mabenga and party national secretary Major Richard Kachingwe.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the CPC delegation’s spokesperson Zhou Guohul said the delegation is in the country at the invitation of the MMD to strengthen bilateral relations between the CPC and the ruling party; and between the Chinese and Zambians.
“The head of the delegation had a very good meeting with President Banda. They have exchanged views politically, economically and in other areas. They agreed to continue to strengthen the good relations between our two parties and our peoples,” Mr Zhou said.
He said although the CPC and the MMD have different political ideologies and economic policies, his party adheres to the principle of equality, respect and non-interference in the internal affairs of other parties.
“This is the guidance we would like to use in establishing and strengthening our relations and exchanges with all parties and friends in Africa,” Mr Zhou said.
He said when the MMD came to power in 1991, it established and eventually strengthened ties with the CPC.
Mr Zhou said during the meeting, President Banda defended China on the recent concerns raised by United States Secretary of State Hilary Clinton that China is not transparent in its dealings with other countries, and that it does not observe the principles of good governance.
He said Mr Banda noted that Zambia must co-operate with China in the same way it co-operates with the US.
“Besides, China has a long history of traditional friendship with Zambia,” he said.
And Mr Zhou said the delegation’s visit to Zambia has nothing to do with this year’s elections.
“We are here for the friendship, not only between our parties but also between our people. We don’t think this has anything to do with elections,” he said.
[Zambia Daily Mail]
Personaly am of the view that MMD should have invited these Chinamen at a later time not when its only a week ago that Hillary Clinton (USA) visited for the AGOA meeting.Its kind of mockery and perhaps boastful.You know China and the West are two big competitors so better relate to both with great caution lest the other feel betrayed,rightly or wrongly so.Thanx