WINDHOEK, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Namibian Foreign Minister Utoni Nujoma marveled at the great progresses China has made on economic development and social construction in an exclusive interview with Xinhua.
He said that China's experience is well worth learning by all African countries including Namibia and its achievements have benefited the people around the world, of which Namibia ,as a close friend, a reliable partner and a good brother, is very proud.
Nujoma reviewed 20 years of diplomatic relations and friendly exchanges between the two countries. He noted that long before Namibia's independence, the Communist Party of China rendered a series of buttresses for Namibia's liberation struggle. On March 22, 1990, the next day Namibia proclaimed its independence, China established diplomatic ties with the country, after which the two countries have maintained high-profile visits frequently, cementing the traditional friendship ever since.
"Personally I have paid four visits to China, deeply impressed by China's enormous achievements in nation building and social development. China has created an economic miracle in the world." he added.
In the bilateral economic and trade cooperation, Nujoma expressed his warm welcome to Chinese trade delegations to conduct various explorations for co-development opportunities between the two countries. Renowned for its diamond, uranium, cooper, iron, lead, zinc, gas field and other abundant resources, Namibia is in dire need of translating them into great wealth for its people's well-being. Therefore, he confessed the expectation of the Namibian people to jointly tap into these resources with Chinese counterparts to promote the further growth of Namibia's industries, bringing benefit to both countries.
Nujoma bemoaned that the current international financial crisis was a severe blow to the Namibian economy, particularly the volatile export industry. "Our government has committed to the export diversification, enriching agriculture, animal husbandry and fisheries to meet more demands." "China has so numerous market demands that Namibia would like to engage more Chinese enterprises in exporting high-quality Namibian goods to China."
On cultural exchanges, he told Xinhua about some fantastic performances by Chinese art troupes to Namibia, citing the acrobatics, traditional dances, and Kungfu as favorites for the Namibian public. He advised that Namibia and China try out joint performances, to showcase Chinese classical culture to Namibia and to penetrate traditional African essence into the Chinese audience. In this way the two countries and peoples could be better linked and recognized through diverse but harmonious cultures.
In addition, he lauded the tangible benefits for Namibia from China's selfless aid in education, enabling many Namibian aspirant youths to further their studies in China each year with scholarships provided by the Chinese Government. "After graduation these students joined in the Namibian nation building, contributing to its economic empowerment and social progress. We are very grateful for this and the two countries may continue to enhance bilateral pedagogic cooperation to boost scientific development."
He also expressed his much appreciation for the kind assistance China has offered from infrastructure building, poverty alleviation, disaster relief to health care development, disadvantaged groups protection and other social fields. "Namibia now has a number of landmark buildings and major roads aided by China". He, at the same time, applauded the diligent work ethics of the builders from China.
While referring to the phenomenal change China has made, Nujoma reiterated the challenges China has encountered and the effort it has put in to prosper from a relatively low level in recent decades. "China has created a miracle in the world economy. As an all-weather friend, we take pride in it". He took China's developmental experience as a great stimulation and impetus for Namibia to learn how Chinese implement its economic policies and social management strategies.
"China has played a key role of catalyst to the recovery of world economy during the recession," He said. He also conveyed the willingness of Namibia to work together with China to bring bilateral economic and trade cooperation to a new high and devote themselves into world's peace and development.
Nujoma sent his best wishes to the ongoing World Expo in Shanghai, a precious opportunity and platform for Namibia to exhibit itself with featured products in the African Joint Pavilion. "Namibia attaches great importance to this World Expo and I wish the Expo a historic success and it will grace the audience around the world with its bountiful cultural diversity." He said.