Xi calls for stronger ties and trust with Namibia

President Xi Jinping on Sunday called for stronger political trust and deeper pragmatic cooperation between China and Namibia as the two countries celebrated the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.

In a congratulatory message to his Namibian counterpart Hage Geingob, Xi said the two nations have always forged ahead sharing weal and woe no matter how the international landscape changed.

Xi recalled his multiple meetings with Geingob in recent years, during which the two countries reached important consensus over the establishment and development of a bilateral comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership.

The meetings have taken bilateral relations and cooperation in various areas to a new level and delivered benefits to the two peoples, he said.

Xi added that he attached great importance to relations with Namibia, and that he was willing to work with Geingob to take the 30th anniversary as a new starting point and seize the historic opportunities arising from the joint building of the Belt and Road and development of China-Africa cooperation.

The two nations must boost political mutual trust and deepen pragmatic cooperation so as to inject fresh momentum into the growth of bilateral relations in the new era, and contribute to the building of a closer community with a shared future for China and Africa, he said.

Geingob said the two nations have always stuck to unity and mutual benefits over the past three decades, and the all-weather friendship has withstood the test of time and global challenges.

Namibia stands ready to further the pragmatic cooperation with China, inject new vitality to bilateral relations and work toward a community with a shared future featuring peace, prosperity and stability, he said.

He also voiced the appreciation of his government and people for China in its efforts in bringing the novel coronavirus pneumonia outbreak under control, saying that Namibia was willing to work with China to curb the global spread of the pandemic.

China will become stronger and more prosperous under Xi's strong leadership, he said.