Zambian President Levy Patrick Mwanawasa said in BeijingTuesday that China's joint exploration of resources in his country was not an example of plundering or so-called second-colonialism, adding that the partnership between the two countries was based on friendship and the principle of mutual-respect.

During a press conference on Tuesday evening, Mwanawasa spoke highly of Zambia-China friendly relations. He said Chinese and Zambian cooperation have enjoyed smooth development in sectors such as investment, tourism and agriculture.

"I don't think the assistance China has extend to Zambia has something to do with the so called second-colonialism," uttered Mwanawasa.

"How can we call this colonialization, if one adds values to your material or natural resources," said the president.

He said he appreciated China's help to his nation in constructing the Tanzania-Zambia railway in the 1970s, which has played an active role in pushing the economic development of Zambia.

According to the president, since he took office in 2002, the population under poverty line in Zambia has shrank to six-to-seven percent from the previous eight percent.

During the Beijing Summit of the Forum of China-African Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Beijing on Nov. 1-5, China and Zambia signed a number of contacts, including the Memorandum of Understanding on Chambishi Copper Smelter, which will enable Zambia to effectively explore its mining resources and create jobs for local people.

The Zambian president added he was glad to hear that Chinese President Hu Jintao has agreed to consider helping Zambia build sports facilities.

"Through this forum, we, African leaders, again recognized the friendly relations between China and African countries, and we believe the friendship will grow more strongly with our joint efforts," said Mwanawasa.

The summit, also the 3rd Ministerial Conference of the FOCAC, attracted more than 40 African heads of state.

The FOCAC allows for collective dialogue and cooperation and was jointly established by China and Africa to cope with new challenges and facilitate common development.

Since the launch of the FOCAC in 2000, two ministerial conferences have been held in Beijing and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Source: Xinhua