A high-level delegation from China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, led by Governor Erkin Tuniyaz, visited Zambia from May 14 to 17, 2025. The delegation was warmly received by President Hakainde Hichilema at State House on May 15.

During their meeting, Governor Tuniyaz conveyed greetings from Ma Xingrui, Secretary of the Xinjiang Regional Committee of the Communist Party of China, to President Hichilema. He emphasized the importance of implementing outcomes from the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit and expressed readiness to deepen cooperation in agriculture, energy, mining, tourism, and transport sectors.

President Hichilema expressed gratitude for the hospitality extended during his visit to Xinjiang last September and conveyed warm greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping. He commended China’s decision to open its market, viewing it as a significant opportunity for African countries, including Zambia, to enhance exports without restrictions. He reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to the one-China principle and bilateral cooperation amid shifting global geopolitical dynamics.

The delegation also engaged with Hon. Frank Tayali, Minister of Transport and Logistics, and Hon. Makozo Chikote, Minister of Energy. They signed a Letter of Intent on establishing a friendly relationship with Zambia’s Eastern Province and held a Zambia-China (Xinjiang) Business Cooperation and Exchange Conference.

Additionally, they visited several Chinese companies operating in Zambia, with H.E. Han Jing, Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, present at these events.

This visit underscores the strengthening of Zambia, China relations and the commitment to mutual development and cooperation.

Source: Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the republic of Zambia.