Chinese Military Leader Starts Visit to Zambia

Fu Quanyou, member of China's Central Military Commission and chief of General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), arrived in Lusaka on Sunday to begin his official and good-will visit to this southern central African country.

Zambian Defense Minister Joshua Simuyandi and other high- ranking military officers met Fu and his entourage at the airport.

Delivering a written speech at the airport, Fu noted that the traditional friendship between the Chinese and Zambian people and cooperation between the two armed forces have developed over the past decades.

The main objective of his current visit, the first one ever by a PLA chief of general staff, is to enhance mutual understanding, deepen friendship, expand common ground and promote cooperation, he said.

The Chinese government and military forces value highly their friendship and cooperation with Zambia, Fu added.

During his four-day visit, Fu is expected to meet Zambian President Frederick Chiluba and have discussions with Simuyandi and foreign minister Keli Walubita on furthering China-Zambia relations. He will also tour some military establishments in Lusaka.

Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Peng Keyu and Military Attache of the Chinese Embassy Liu Shengli were also present at the airport to greet Fu and his entourage, including Zhang Dingfa, deputy commander of the Chinese Navy, Wang Chaoqun, deputy commander of the PLA Chengdu Military Area Command and commander of the air force of the Chengdu Military Area Command, and Yuan Xinghua, commander of the Zhejiang Provincial Military Area Command.

( November 26, 2001)