Chinese VP to visit Zambia this week

Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao is scheduled to visit Zambia this week on a four-day official visit, the Chinese Embassy announced Monday.

Li will visit Zambia from June 18 to 21 accompanied by a 21- member team of officials, Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Zhou Yuxiao told reporters during a press briefing.

Zhou said the purpose of the visit is to commemorate the golden jubilee of the Zambian independence and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Zambia and to further promote bilateral relations.

Li will meet Zambian President Michael Sata, hold talks with his Zambian counterpart Guy Scott, have a working meeting with Wynter Kabimba, secretary general of the Patriotic Front, Zambia's governing party, and pay a courtesy call on Zambia's first President Kenneth Kaunda.

The Chinese envoy said the visit signifies China's resolve to enhance ties with the African nation.

China and Zambia have enjoyed cordial bilateral relations over the years with Chinese investment in Zambia increasing to 3.8 billion U.S. dollars last year from 3.4 billion dollars in 2012.