On February 26, 2010, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met with Zambian President Rupiah Banda in Ziguangge, Zhongnanhai.

Zambia was the first southern African nation to forge diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China and has made important contributions to the restoration of China’s lawful seat in the United Nations, Wen said. Zambia has also offered firm support to China on the issues concerning China’s core interests, which the Chinese side will bear in mind. Both peoples have supported each other for common development and forged profound friendship over the years. The China-Zambia relationship has become a paradigm for China-Africa friendship and cooperation, Wen said.

Wen pointed out that the sincere feelings and common interest between the Chinese and African people are a firm foundation for China-Africa relations to withstand various tests and achieve continuous development. In coping with a range of severe challenges including the global financial crisis, both sides trust each other and tide over difficulties together. The friendly cooperation between both sides has shown new vigor and vitality and reached a higher level. History proves that China’s aid to Africa has always been sincere and disinterested. Hailing Africa as a good brother and good partner of China, Wen said the new type of China-Africa strategic partnership enjoys a bright future and will surely make even more contributions to world peace and development.

Banda said bilateral ties have made substantial progress since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He said the Zambian people will never forget China's long-term support and assistance to Zambia’s economic and social development, describing a railway line connecting Tanzania and Zambia as the symbol of bilateral friendship and cooperation. After the outbreak of the global financial crisis, while other investors were pulling out and laying off employees, Chinese businesses, instead, continued to invest and operate in Zambia, a move that significantly improved the African country's confidence to overcome difficulties, Banda said. Banda noted during his visit to China, he strongly felt the profound sentiments cherished by the Chinese government and people towards the Zambian people, which made him feel at home. As the two economies are highly complementary, the Zambian side hoped to work more closely with China in trade, agriculture, mineral resources, transportation infrastructure, medical health, among others to achieve common development and jointly push the new type of Africa-China strategic partnership to a new level.

Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Minister of Commerce Chen Deming and Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Li Qiangmin attended the meeting.