President Xi Jinping speaks with Zambian President Edgar Lungu on the phone

On the evening of 20 July, President Xi Jinping spoke with Zambian President Edgar Lungu on the phone.

Noting that COVID-19 is a severe crisis and test to the world, Xi applauded the solidarity and mutual support between China and Africa in fighting the virus alongside each other. At the early stage of its battle against the coronavirus, China received valuable support from Zambia and other African countries. When Africa was hit by the virus, China felt keenly for it and rushed to Africa's aid. It provided medical supplies and shared experience to shore up Africa's response capacity and expertise. "I called for greater support for African countries on multiple occasions," said Xi. China is stepping up the implementation of the relevant measures and will continue to do its best to support Zambia and other African countries in COVID-19 response and economic recovery. Xi trusted that Zambia will continue to look after Chinese nationals and companies in the country.

Xi highlighted the sound momentum in the bilateral friendship and cooperation in recent years and the mutual support on issues of each other's core interests and major concerns. COVID-19 has caused obstacles for face-to-face communication, but China and Zambia have kept on strengthening solidarity and cooperation. To pull through this trying time, China would work with Zambia to implement the outcomes of the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity against COVID-19. While keeping in place containment measures, the two sides could explore flexible ways to steadily advance cooperation. Xi encouraged closer coordination between the two countries to uphold international equity and justice, promote multilateralism and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries. After the joint battle against COVID-19, the China-Zambia relationship will reach new height and deliver even greater benefits to the two peoples.

Lungu expressed Zambia's deep cherishment of its friendship with China, and thanked China for the tremendous, valuable support for Zambia's economic development over the years. Zambia highly appreciates the initiatives proposed by President Xi at the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit and applauds China's support for the COVID-19 response in Africa. China's success has given African countries greater confidence in facing the virus head on. China's progress in vaccine and therapeutics development will help Africa defeat the virus. China is a great friend of the Zambian people. Zambia will stand together with China on issues concerning China's core interests. It will continue to uphold the one China policy and support China's just positions and measures on issues related to Hong Kong and Xinjiang. Zambia welcomes Chinese investment. It will keep close communication and cooperation with China in promoting multilateral cooperation and safeguarding the common interests of developing countries.