Jia Qinglin, a top political advisor, met Friday with Kenneth David Kaunda, former president of Zambia, in Beijing.

Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said ties had developed comprehensively with frequent high-level contacts and fruitful cooperation since the two countries established diplomatic relations 45 years ago.

Jia cited the railway linking Tanzania and Zambia as representative of the cooperation and friendship between China and Zambia.

Jia expressed appreciation for the Zambian government's firm support for China on the Taiwan and human rights issues.

China had always valued its traditional friendship with African countries, including Zambia, Jia said.

Jia spoke highly of Kaunda's contributions to the friendship between Zambia and China and between China and Africa at large, for which he said the Chinese people were grateful.

Kaunda said he noticed the great changes and achievements China had made the moment he set foot in the country.

Kaunda said he believed that Africa-China friendly cooperation would further develop.

Kaunda is visiting at the invitation of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries to receive an award for his contribution to China-Africa friendship.