2012-05-29 (China Military News cited from daily-mail.co.zm) — ZAMBIA and China have signed an US$8 million military aid agreement for the rehabilitation of the Ndola and Maina Soko Military hospitals.
Minister of Defence Geoffrey Mwamba signed the agreement on behalf of Zambia while his Chinese counterpart General Liang Guanglie signed for his country in the Chinese capital, Beijing, yesterday.
Speaking after the ceremony, Mr Mwamba said the signing of the agreement is in the spirit of further strengthening the warm and friendly bilateral relations that exist between Zambia and China.
Mr Mwamba said Government is determined to uplift standards in the defence forces and that the funds acquired will go a long way in renovating the two military hospitals.
The minister said China has remained an all-weather friend of Zambia and has supported the country in many other areas of development.
Mr Mwamba said Zambians appreciate the assistance they receive from China and that Government is committed to continue strengthening Zambia’s bilateral co-operation with the South-East Asian country.
And General Guanlie, the Chinese Minister of National Defence, said his country will continue to provide monetary and various forms of support to help the Zambian government achieve its goals of developing the country.
General Guanglie, who spoke through an interpreter, described Zambia as an all-weather friend and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to deepening the existing warm relations between the two countries.