China handed over two planes to Zambian air force here Friday,
adding the number of airplanes the southern African country has
purchased from China to 24, since Zambia began to import planes
from China in 1980.
The two planes and five other Chinese planes, which are due to
be delivered later this month and in November, will greatly enhance
the air transport capability of the Zambian air force and help
transport election materials and officials during the forthcoming
tripartite polls scheduled for next month, said Secretary to
Zambian Cabinet Joshua Kanganja at the handover ceremony.
Kanganja, who hailed the "all-weather friendship" the two
countries share, said that "the goodwill and friendship between our
two countries on one hand and between China Aviation Industry
Corporation II and the Zambia air force on the other, will lead to
greater achievements."
Deputy President of China Aviation Industry Corporation II Shi
Jianzhong expressed his hope that the two sides will strengthen the
existing cooperation for the benefit of Zambia and China.
Zambian air force has purchased the seven planes with a
preferential loan provided by the Chinese government.
One of the planes delivered on Friday is a new type of plane,
which China has specially developed for plateau countries like
Zambia. This is the first time that China exported this type of
plane.
(Xinhua News Agency August 19, 2006)
