On the evening of July 26 local time, Zambian Vice President George Kunda hosted a welcome banquet in honor of the visiting Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo. In his welcome remarks made at the banquet, Kunda spoken highly of relations of friendship and cooperation between Zambia and China.

Kunda said the two countries have been friendly to each other and both peoples are as close as brothers. They share identical views and positions on many international and regional issues of common concern. Zambia is glad to see China's success in coping with the global financial crisis and its major progress made in various areas.

Kunda thanked for the enormous assistance offered by the Chinese government over the years and hoped that both countries will accelerate the implementation of cooperation projects in such key areas as economy, technology, mining, culture and economic development zones. Kunda encouraged more Chinese investors to develop business in Zambia, enhance cooperation with Zambian companies and jointly exploit the abundant natural resources in the country.

Kunda believed that the two countries' cooperation based on common values of equality of sovereignty and mutual respect will continue to develop for the benefit of both countries and their peoples.