The Chinese Embassy in Lusaka on Monday celebrated the 90th birthday of former Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda.

Addressing a celebration luncheon, Chinese ambassador Zhou Yuxiao described Kaunda as an icon for the Chinese people and praised the role he has played in establishing diplomatic relations with China.

Kaunda, with a joyful mood, said that China has been a practical supporter for the development of Zambia and that its role in Zambia is evident.

"After Western governments refused to build the Tanzania-Zambia railway line, China agreed to help us," he recalled, adding that China never attached conditions in its assistance to other countries.

China helped Zambia with infrastructure and farming among other fields, contributing to Zambia's growth, he said.

Kaunda, born on April 28, 1924, led Zambia's independence struggle and served as the first president of the country from 1964 to 1991.