BEIJING, Feb. 2 -- Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao has sent a congratulatory message to new Zambian Vice President Inonge Wina, the country's first woman to hold presidency, on her assumption of office.

China and Zambia have enjoyed a profound traditional friendship, Li said in the message delivered on Jan. 27.

Li said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Zambia more than 50 years ago, political mutual trust between the two countries has kept deepening, with the achievement of fruitful results in friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation in such fields as economy, trade and people-to-people exchanges, and the two countries have supported and closely cooperated with each other in international affairs.

China stands ready to work with the Zambian side to uplift the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries to a new height, Li said.