WINDHOEK, Nov. 18 (Xinhuanet) -- China and Namibia have maintained a relationship that went through various tests, a senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) said as he met with Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba in the capital city of this southwestern African country Thursday morning.
In the meeting with President Pohamba, Li congratulated Pohamba for assuming office in March. Li said this year marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Namibia, as well as the 15th anniversary of the independence of Namibia.
Over the past 15 years, China and Namibia have seen smooth development of bilateral relations and fruitful cooperation in various fields, Li said. He noted that the two countries have understood and supported each other on international affairs.
Li said the relations between China and Namibia and the political parties of the two countries have withstood various tests. He said China cherish the friendship with Namibia and is ready to add new vigor to the healthy and consistent development of bilateral relations.
Li expressed appreciation on Namibia for its consistent support to the Chinese government on such major issues as Taiwan.
Pohamba, also vice President of the SWAPO Party, said the visit to Namibia by Li and the CPC delegation is a strong evidence of the continually strengthening of friendly cooperation between the two countries and of the friendship and solidarity between the two peoples.
Pohamba said in the Namibian people's struggle for national freedom and independence, the CPC and the Chinese government and people had lent selfless assistance and support to Namibia. SWAPO, as well as the Namibian government and people appreciate this help and will never forget it, he said.
He noted that since Namibia and China established diplomatic links, the two countries have continuously strengthened cooperation in various fields, including economy, culture, science and technology. These cooperation have brought and will continue to bring benefits to the people of the two countries.
Pohamba congratulates China on its new progress in manned spaceflight. He expressed the wish that China would continue to make new progress in building a socialist country with Chinese characteristics and realizing reunification of the country.
After the meeting with Pohamba, Li attended the signing ceremony of agreements on investment protection between China and Namibia and on China's soft loans and donation of office goods to Namibia.
