China expects Namibian president's visit to advance bilateral ties: spokesman

BEIJING -- Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's upcoming state visit to China is expected to bring bilateral relations to a new height, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Friday.

Guo made the remarks at a regular news briefing when asked about the visit scheduled from July 5 to 11, which will be Nandi-Ndaitwah's first China trip since taking office.

During the visit, President Xi Jinping will hold a welcoming ceremony and welcoming banquet for her, and the two presidents will hold talks, Guo said. Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, will meet with her separately.

Besides Beijing, Nandi-Ndaitwah will also visit Guangdong and Sichuan provinces, Guo said.

China and Namibia today enjoy ever-deepening political mutual trust and fruitful cooperation for mutual benefit, he noted.

The trip will contribute to building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era and the pursuit of the Global South for strength through unity, Guo added.