On April 6, 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with his Zambian counterpart Michael Chilufya Sata in the city of Sanya in south China's Hainan Province. The two heads of state exchanged in-depth views on Sino-Zambian relations, China-Africa ties, the situation in Africa and other issues of common concern, agreeing to cherish the traditional friendship between the two countries, deepen mutual trust and cooperation, and promote new development of Sino-Zambian relations.

Xi pointed out that the traditional friendship founded by the leaders of the older generation of the two countries has withstood the test of history. Both sides have supported each other in issues involving each other's major interests, and helped each other in the cause of national development, one historical testimony of which is the Tanzania-Zambia Railway, said Xi. Facts have proved that the development of Sino-Zambian relations has brought tangible benefits to the two peoples. China attaches great importance to developing the bilateral relations, and is willing to work together with Zambia to inherit and carry forward traditional friendship and advance with the times, so as to promote continuous development of bilateral ties, Xi noted.

Xi said frequent visits make friends closer and nearer still. The two sides should strengthen top-level and inter-party exchanges, exchange governing experience, enhance mutual understanding and trust. The Chinese side values relevant cooperation intentions from Zambia, will continue to provide assistance within its capacity to Zambia, well implement the projects within the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and backs Chinese companies to participate in mineral industry, agriculture, manufacturing and infrastructure construction in Zambia. "By actively taking social responsibility, we encourage Chinese enterprises to resolve problems in cooperation through development and help Zambia realize self-development, while we hope the Zambian side can also create more favorable conditions for them," he added. Both sides should also expand cooperation in the fields of culture, education and media and promote youth exchanges.

Xi said he has recently concluded visits to Tanzania, South Africa and the Republic of Congo. Although the overall momentum of Africa's peaceful development is sound, it is faced with various difficulties and challenges, Xi said. Xi stressed that China has always regarded Africa as "a good friend, partner and brother" and deemed strengthening China-Africa unity and cooperation as an important cornerstone of China's foreign policy, and that China will firmly support Africa's efforts to seek strength through unity and advance peace and development.

For his part, Sata said China is a trustworthy friend of the people of Zambia and Africa. The Zambian side is grateful to the precious contributions China has made for its national construction in the past years, and will bear in mind the Chinese-built railway. China's development has offered significant opportunities for Zambia and Africa in the new era, Sata said, noting that Chinese businesses' investment in Zambia has provided a large number of jobs and benefited the livelihood of the people there. He hoped that China will continue to help develop agriculture, fisheries, animal husbandry, industry, commerce and infrastructure in Zambia and enhance trade and investment cooperation. Zambia would like to enhance cultural and educational exchanges with China by sending more students to study here, he added.

Following the talks, the two heads of state attended the singing ceremony of an agreement on economic and technical cooperation and other documents between the two governments.

Prior to the talks, Xi held a welcome ceremony for Sata's visit.

Wang Huning, Li Zhanshu and Yang Jiechi attended the ceremony.