Chinese President Hu Jintao on Friday exchanged greetings with his Zambian counterpart Levy Mwanawasa to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

Over the past four decades, the two countries have seen the smooth development of bilateral ties with ever growing high-level exchanges and increasing political trust, President Hu said in a message.

Remarkable achievements have been made in cooperation in trade and economics, as well as in culture, education and health. The two countries have been supporting each other in international and regional affairs, he said.

The Chinese government cherishes the traditional friendship with Zambia and is willing to join hands with it to promote relations on the basis of sincerity, equality and mutual benefit, said Hu.

President Mwanawasa said the Zambian government and people highly appreciate the assistance offered by China over the past 40years. Good relations with China are of utmost importance to Zambia, he said. The president expressed the hope that bilateral relations could be enhanced to benefit the two countries and peoples.

(Xinhua News Agency October 29, 2004)