LUSAKA, Nov. 5 (Xinhuanet) -- Visiting Chinese top legislator Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), Friday met with Zambian Vice President Lupando Mwape.

    Mwape said the visit by Wu shows the importance attached to bilateral relations by the Chinese government, and will further boost the existing friendly ties between the two countries.

    He noted that the two countries have just marked three important events in October, namely the 55th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, the 40th anniversary of Zambia's independence and the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Zambia.

    He said the Zambian government and people are grateful for China's huge support over the last 40 years.

    The vice president expressed the hope that two countries will work together to explore opportunities in agriculture, mining and tourism, where there is a huge potential to be tapped.

    Wu Bangguo congratulated Mwape for his new job.

    He noted that the traditional friendship between China and Zambia has continued to develop for the last 40 years, despite great changes in the world and in the domestic politics of the twocountries.

    There have been frequent visits by senior leaders of both countries, leading to strengthened mutual trust, Wu said, adding that the two countries have also seen closer economic and trade ties, a good example of which is the Chambishi copper mine invested by China.

    Sino-Zambia relations is a good example of South-South cooperation, he said.

    Wu said China's new leadership attaches great importance to relations with Zambia, whom China regards as a good friend, a partner and a brother.

    He said his visit is meant to forge a closer relation with Zambian leaders, to strengthen the traditional friendship between the two countries and to expand bilateral relations.

    Mwape said his government will continue to support the "one China" policy as well as China's stance on Tibet and human rights issues.

    Wu expressed China's gratitude for this.

    Present at the meeting were NPC Standing Committee Vice Chairman Raidi, Zambian Foreign Minister Kalombo Mwansa and other senior officials from both sides. Enditem