By BENNET SIMBEYE –

in Sandton, South Africa
CHINA has pledged to provide funding for the expansion of the Levy Mwanawasa General Hospital in Lusaka which will make the health institution the second largest in the country.
Meanwhile, the 27th ordinary session of the African Union Executive Council opened here with emphasis on strong follow up mechanisms in the implementation of the first 10 years of the Agenda 2063.
China has also committed to provide funds for the sinking of more than 900 boreholes across the country.
This came to light during bilateral talks between Zambia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba and Chinese Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Zhang Ming on the sideline of the 27th ordinary session of the AU executive council.
The talks also revolved around the need to have a tripartite arrangement between China, Tanzania and Zambia in resolving the challenges faced by Tanzania-Zambia Railways (TAZARA).
During the talks, the Chinese delegation also pledged to provide about 100 vehicles for the Zambia Police Service.
It was also agreed that the two countries work on a facility that exempts diplomats from both countries from any visa requirements.
Mr Kalaba also pledged Government commitment to following through undertakings that were agreed on during President Edgar Lungu’s visit to China.
The minister thanked the Chinese government for the funding in expanding the Levy Mwanawasa hospital and assured the delegation of
Zambia’s commitment to utilising funds for the intended purpose.
He said the funds that China is providing for road works will be utilised for that purpose and that the proposal for diplomatic visa exemptions should immediately be considered and concluded quickly.
Mr Kalaba extended an invitation to his Chinese counterpart to visit Zambia and appreciate the enormity of China’s presence in form of support and investment.
Meanwhile, the ordinary session of the AU executive council started yesterday with focus on the implementation of Agenda 2063 plan.
Agenda 2063 is a 50-year global strategy to optimise use of Africa’s resources for the benefit of all Africans and is divided in long and short term implementation plans which are 25, 10 and 5 years respectively.
The executive council of the AU represents ministers from member countries and other stakeholders such as the United Nations. The meeting of the executive council will culminate into the ordinary session of the heads of State on Sunday.
The AU theme for this year is, ‘2015 year of women empowerment and development towards Africa’s Agenda 2063’.
Zambia is represented here by Foreign Affairs Minister, while Zambia’s Permanent Representative to the AU Susan Sikaneta is part of the delegation and represented the country at sessions that preceded the executive council meeting.
During the official opening of the executive council session, chairperson of the executive council Simbarashe Mumbengegwi called for  strong follow up mechanisms as Africa prepared to implement the first 10 year-plan of the Agenda 2063.