China and Zambia look to the future as ties celebrated

"All these projects stand as monuments to the enduring friendship and collaboration between China and Zambia," Sikumba says, adding that this was further evidenced by the state visit of Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema at the invitation of President Xi Jinping in September last year.

During the visit, the two countries issued a joint statement on establishing a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

In it, they applauded the results of cooperation in culture, tourism, education, public health, youth, think tanks, media and sports, and agreed to enhance cooperation. Both sides also decided to designate 2024 as the Year of Culture and Tourism.

The Chinese side expressed appreciation for Zambia's visa-free policy for Chinese tourists. The Zambian side thanked China for listing Zambia in the second group of pilot countries for outbound group tours by Chinese travel agencies, and welcomed Chinese tourists to Zambia. Both also agreed to further facilitate exchanges of personnel.

As a result of the state visit, Zambia has proceeded to ease visa restrictions, allowing visitors from China to enter the country visa-free, Sikumba adds.

Matongo Matamwandi, CEO of Zambia's leading travel organization, the Zambia Tourism Agency, promotes the country's tourist attractions at the opening ceremony.