China's Premier Li Qiang to Visit Zambia

Chinese Premier Li Qiang will make an official visit to Zambia from November 19 to 20, 2025, at the invitation of President Hakainde Hichilema.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mulambo Haimbe announced yesterday that the visit will focus on enhancing cooperation in trade and investment, transport and logistics, energy, mining, agriculture and technology.

Premier Li, who is a Member of the Standing Committee of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee Political Bureau, will hold bilateral talks with President Hichilema at State House in Lusaka.

The visit follows President Hichilema's successful state visit to China in September 2023, during which bilateral relations were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

Minister Haimbe said the two leaders will review progress on implementation of various agreements and projects, including the revitalization of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority. They will also explore new opportunities for collaboration under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation framework.

The minister noted that Premier Li's visit underscores the importance both countries attach to deepening their long-standing friendship, which dates back to Zambia's pre-independence period.

"Over the past six decades, China has been an 'all-weather friend' to Zambia, supporting numerous development projects across various sectors including infrastructure, mining, health, education, and manufacturing," Haimbe stated.