LUSAKA, August 18 -- China handed over two planes to Zambian air force here Friday, adding the number of airplanes the southern African country has purchased from China to 24, since Zambia began to import planes from China in 1980.

The two planes and five other Chinese planes, which are due to be delivered later this month and in November, will greatly enhance the air transport capability of the Zambian air force and help transport election materials and officials during the forthcoming tripartite polls scheduled for next month, said Secretary to Zambian Cabinet Joshua Kanganja at the handover ceremony.

Kanganja, who hailed the "all-weather friendship" the two countries share, said that "the goodwill and friendship between our two countries on one hand and between China Aviation Industry Corporation II and the Zambia air force on the other, will lead to greater achievements."

Deputy President of China Aviation Industry Corporation II Shi Jianzhong expressed his hope that the two sides will strengthen the existing cooperation for the benefit of Zambia and China.

Zambian air force has purchased the seven planes with a preferential loan provided by the Chinese government.

One of the planes delivered on Friday is a new type of plane, which China has specially developed for plateau countries like Zambia. This is the first time that China exported this type of plane.