China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin will wrap up his visit to Namibia and leave for South Africa on Sunday to continue his 10-day African tour.

In Namibia, Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), on Friday evening delivered a speech at a reception marking the 20th anniversary of the Sino-Namibian diplomatic relationship.

In the speech, Jia made a four-point proposal for improving Sino-Namibian relations, saying that both countries should consolidate traditional friendship to deepen mutual political trust, and strengthen economic and trade cooperation to realize mutually-beneficial and win-win results.

China and Namibia should also expand people-to-people and cultural exchanges to foster their lasting friendship, and boost coordination and cooperation to enhance the common interests of both countries and all developing countries, he added.

"I first congratulate Namibia on the 20th anniversary of its full independence," said Jia, who arrived here on Thursday.

Jia reviewed bilateral ties over the past two decades, saying both countries have carried out extensive cooperation of mutual benefit.

"The political relations between both countries are getting increasingly close, with frequent exchanges of high-level visits and the extending of mutual support on issues concerning each other's core interests," Jia said.

On the economic front, both sides are complementary in agriculture, fishery, mining and infrastructure and their cooperation has witnessed continuous expansion.

In other fields, exchanges at various levels are also getting more and more frequent, deepening mutual understanding and traditional friendship.

Jia believed that a sound development of bilateral ties requires both sides to carry forward and consolidate their traditional friendship with mutual respect for each other's sovereignty, social conditions and the people's will and choices.

Economically, both sides should carry out mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation, and on international affairs, both countries should strengthen coordination and cooperation, extend mutual support on issues concerning each other's core interests and maintain friendly consultation on issues concerning mutual interests.

The consensus reached between Chinese President Hu Jintao and Namibian leaders in 2007 during Hu's visit to Windhoek charted a clear path for the long-term development of bilateral relations, Jia said.

Jia and Namibia's founding president Sam Nujoma joined more than 400 people to celebrate the occasion

At the same event, Nujoma, who served as Namibian president from 1990 to 2005, said his country would always cherish China's generous assistance during its campaign for national independence and development.

He said the Sino-Namibian friendship is long-tested and has benefited both peoples.

"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," said Nujoma.

"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.

"Immediately, after Namibia's independence 20 years ago, Namibia and China established diplomatic relations, and since then, bilateral relations have been strengthened for the mutual benefit of our two nations," the former president told the gathering.

Namibia is one of the youngest countries in Africa, becoming fully independent on March 21, 1990. It established diplomatic relations with China the next day.

"From 1990, till today, China has been a steadfast partner in our national efforts towards social economic development. China has thus helped Namibia with the implementation of various projects, including the construction of the National Council and the Regional Council's offices, hospitals and clinics, as well as schools throughout the country," said Nujoma who was attired in a mandarin-collared, orange shirt.

He said such assistance has greatly contributed towards improving the lives of the people of Namibia and for this "generous assistance" he expressed profound and deep appreciation to the Chinese government.

"Namibia will continue to utilize the platform created by the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation to promote cooperation between Africa and China on matters of mutual interest," Nujoma said.

Earlier, Jia paid a call on President Hifikepunye Pohamba at State House.

Jia said Namibia, one of the youngest republics in Africa, is brimming with vigor and vitality.

"Since independence, Namibia has sustained national reconciliation,social stability and economic growth, thus enabling her people to live a peaceful and prosperous life, and securing remarkable achievements on all fronts," said Jia.

Pohamba said Namibia is enjoying traditional friendship with China, adding that China has been a friend to Namibia during the dark days of her liberation struggle.

During Jia's visit to Namibia, the two countries signed five bilateral agreements.

China and Namibia are sharing longstanding relations, dating back to the period of the struggle for Namibia's independence.