Chinese medical team representatives posed for a photo with Zambia's former President Kenneth Kaunda on June 14, 2019. (Xinhua)

LUSAKA, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Members of Chinese medical teams in Zambia on Friday paid a courtesy call on Zambia's former President Kenneth Kaunda to express their gratitude for his role in building the relationship between the two countries.

The former president met with the Chinese doctors at his residence in Lusaka, the country's capital.

Kaunda expressed gratitude for the visit and thanked the Chinese doctors for the wonderful work they were doing in the country.

The Chinese doctors included those from the 20th medical team, who have just completed their tour of duty in Zambia and are going back to China, and those from the incoming 21st medical team.

Ma Chao, head of the 21st Chinese medical team, said the team were happy to visit Kaunda who started diplomatic relations with China together with Chairman Mao Zedong.

He said the Chinese people never forget old friendship and that the visit was meant to celebrate 55 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.