Chi, also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and a state councilor, said China and Zimbabwe enjoyed a traditional friendship, noting the Chinese people had supported the Zimbabwean people during their struggle for independence. Since the forging of diplomatic ties, the two countries had conducted effective cooperation in the political, economic, cultural and scientific areas. Frequent high-level exchanges of visits in recent years had boosted mutual understanding and strengthened friendship between the two countries and the two armed forces.

Chi said he appreciated the Zimbabwean government's firm support for China on the issues of Taiwan and human rights and praised Zimbabwe's contribution to the peace and stability in Africa.

He hoped the friendly ties between the two armed forces would be boosted in the new century with the joint efforts of both parties.

He also stated China's stance on international affairs, and its foreign and defense policies.

Sekeramayi said the friendship between Zimbabwe and China dated from the Zimbabwean people's struggle for independence. The frequent high-level exchanges and fruitful cooperation in personnel training had encouraged the development of bilateral ties between the two countries and their military forces. He said he was positive the friendly cooperative relations would continue to develop in the future.

Sekeramayi and his party arrived in Beijing on Oct. 28 for a nine-day friendly visit to China.

(People's Daily October 31, 2002)