Namibia commended China's assistance during its independence struggle at a banquet held on Saturday in Windhoek in honor of a visiting Chinese delegation led by Jia Qinglin, China's top political advisor.

The banquet, which was attended by Namibian Foreign Affairs Minister Utoni Nujoma, former President of the nation and Dr. Sam Nujoma, Namibian cabinet ministers and members of the diplomatic corps, marked the 20th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Namibia.

During the banquet Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the country's top advisory body, who is on a 10-day African official tour, said that he was delighted to be in Namibia when the two countries celebrated 20 years of diplomatic relations.

He said China and Namibia have a long history of friendship predating Namibia's independence that later culminated in a good partnership.

Jia also praised Namibia for having made fine achievements since attaining nationhood and that it has maintained peace and stability.

He said in 2009 trade two-way between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Namibia increased significantly to 577 million U.S. dollars.

Speaking at the same event Dr. Nujoma said "Sino-Namibia relations are characterized by strong bonds of friendship and solidarity, which were forged during the difficult years of our struggle for freedom and independence."

"The spirit of solidarity and friendship of the Chinese people and other peace-loving nations of the world made it possible for Namibia to attain our genuine freedom and independence. I can thus state with conviction that the excellent bilateral relations enjoyed by our countries are indeed built on solid foundation," he added.