---

Wu Bangguo, chairman of China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, arrived in Lusaka from Harare of Zimbabwe Thursday afternoon, starting an official goodwill visit to Zambia.

Wu said in a written statement upon his arrival that in a spirit of furthering understanding, expanding consensus, promoting cooperation and jointly seeking development, the Chinese side is ready to work with Zambia to consolidate the traditional friendship, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various areas and constantly push forward the China-Zambia relations.

Since the two countries established diplomatic relations 40 years ago, Wu said, the friendship between China and Zambia has withstood the vicissitudes of the international situation and progressed remarkably.

He said the two countries have witnessed frequent high-level exchanges, increasing mutual political trust, fruitful economic cooperation and trade, greater cooperation in cultural, education, health, military and other areas, and close coordination and mutual support in international affairs.

"During my visit, I will have separate meetings and talks with President Mwanawasa, Vice-President Mwape and Speaker Mwanamwambwato thoroughly exchange views on bilateral relations in a changing world and other issues of mutual interest," Wu said.

Wu received a warm welcome by Zambian Vice President Lupando Mwape and Speaker of National Assembly Amusaa K. Mwanamwambwa when he arrived at the airport in Lusaka.

Wu had just concluded his official goodwill visit to Zimbabwe, before coming to Zambia, the third leg of his four-nation African tour, which will finally take him to Nigeria on Nov. 6.