Zambia on Tuesday thanked China for dispatching medical teams to help the country improve health care for four decades.

A ceremony to celebrate 40 years of the presence of Chinese medical teams in Zambia was held in Lusaka, with the Zambian government showering accolades on the contributions of Chinese medical professionals.

"We want to place on record our gratitude to the people of China and the Chinese government for this great cooperation," said Zambian Minister of Health Chitalu Chilufya.

The Zambian government is grateful over the professionalism, ethical and hardworking culture of the various teams that have been coming to the country since 1978, Chilufya said.

Zambia, he said, appreciates China's role in strengthening the country's health services not only in terms of infrastructure but human resource development as well.

Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Li Jie said the exchanges between the two countries in the health sector have continuously pushed forward the development of bilateral relations.

Over the past four decades, Li said, China has helped Zambia elevate its health service standards through the dispatch of regular medical teams, special expert groups, and training programs in both Zambia and China.

He said China will continue to carry forward the traditional friendship between the two countries to deepen practical cooperation in health and other sectors.

Jiang Hongwei, head of the 20th Chinese medical team in Zambia, said a total of 546 doctors have come to Zambia and treated more than 3 million patients since 1978.

The Chinese medical teams will continue to uphold the glorious tradition of assisting their counterparts in Zambia to deepen medical and health exchanges, Jiang said.