Zambian President Edgar Lungu has asked Chinese President Xi Jinping for debt relief in a telephone call between the two leaders on Monday.

President Lungu cited the country's reduced revenues due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a statement from his office.

"President Lungu called for debt relief and cancellation in light of reduced revenue due to the negative impact of the pandemic, as well as competing needs for the country, to secure adequate resources to fight the pandemic and to stimulate the economy," said the statement.

The leaders agreed to enhance co-operation between the two countries.