00:00Well, the former foreign minister of Zambia, Harry Kalaba, has been speaking about the significance of Premier Li's visit.
00:06China has been an all-weather partner for Zambia.
00:14And this visit by His Excellency Li Kuan is of profound strategic significance for Zambia.
00:30Remember, it is the very first visit at this high level in 28 years.
00:39And therefore, it's making it both historic and timely as Zambia advances its economic recovery program.
00:50But China, as I said earlier, owns an all-weather friend and all-weather partner, having supported Zambia in the development of major infrastructure.
01:00So, really important and historic ties, dating back over 60 years.
01:05How would you describe Zambia of today in terms of what it needs?
01:10You mentioned financial problems.
01:13We also know there have been significant electricity supply problems and significant debt.
01:19Well, I think the Zambia of today is in a struggling state of affairs.
01:28But again, thanks to the Chinese who have, as I said earlier, have been an all-weather friend of Zambia.
01:34The Chinese have tried to help us in areas of need.
01:42Even in the energy sector right now, they're interrogating that sector to see how well they can help Zambia get out of the current quagmire.
01:50So, Zambia remains indebted to China.
01:57And I'm glad, myself personally, that the Zambian government has realized the importance of China in our economic emancipation.
02:07Because just a while ago, I think it was difficult.
02:11It took our current government a bit of time to engage the Chinese.
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