On August 11, 2009, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met with Theo-Ben Gurirab, Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) President and Speaker of Namibia's National Assembly in Ziguangge, Zhongnanhai.

During the meeting, Wen said he was happy to see peace and development had been strengthened in Africa, and Africa's international status increased. "Deepening traditional friendship, unity and cooperation with the African countries has long been China's strategic choice," he said. "Despite the impact of the global economic downturn, the Chinese government will honor its commitment of assistance to Africa to stabilize trade and investment in the region, and expand pragmatic cooperation based on equality and reciprocity," said Wen. Calling Namibia "a sincere friend and partner," Wen said China is ready to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in all areas with Namibia, expand cooperation and coordination in international affairs, and jointly push bilateral ties and China-Africa relations to a new level.

Calling China an old friend and good friend of African people, Gurirab expressed gratitude for China's long-term support to African countries, including Namibia, during campaigns for national independence and development. The African people are delighted with the enormous achievements that China has made in its development, he said. Namibia-China, Africa-China relations have been developing well in all areas with broad prospect. Under the new situation, the African countries are ready to strengthen unity and cooperation with China, said Gurirab. Namibia hopes to maintain exchanges with China to push forward bilateral friendly cooperative relations, he added.