.WINA

By NAKUBIANA MUMBUNA –
VICE-PRESIDENT Inonge Wina says cultural exchange programmes have played an important role in strengthening the Chinese and Zambian relations.
Ms Wina acknowledged the role the Chinese culture festivals play in building strong relations between the two countries.
The vice-president said this in a speech read on her behalf by Health Minister Joseph Kasonde during the spring festival of the Chinese lunar year at Levy Mall in Lusaka yesterday.
“I acknowledge the valuable role that the cultural exchanges play in bringing the two countries together and I want to congratulate the Chinese and Zambian participants participating here today,” he said.
She also thanked the Chinese Government for its continued support to Zambia.
Ms Wina said the Chinese Government has supported Zambia in a number of areas which include education.
She revealed that the Chinese Government recently offered 50 scholarships to Zambian students in the area of arts.
The vice-president also thanked that Chinese Government for the support it rendered prior to the Golden Jubilee Celebrations last year.
Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Yang Youming congratulated the Zambian people for their maturity exhibited in the just ended presidential election.
Mr Yang was confident that Zambia would achieve great success under the leadership of President Edgar Lungu.
He further stated that the Chinese Government would continue supporting Zambia in the area of economic and social development.
He also acknowledged that cultural exchanges between Zambia and China were important in strengthening relationships between the two countries.