President Hu calls for closer China-Namibia ties (Xinhua) Updated: 2005-12-20 09:08 Chinese President Hu Jintao
put forward four suggestions for ushering in a new era of China-Namibia
relations during talks with Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba in Beijing
Monday afternoon.
Hu said relations between China and Namibia have entered a new stage of
development. The two countries should continue to maintain multi-level exchanges
between high-ranking officials, parliaments, political parties and governmental
departments so as to reinforce and develop a sound political relationship.
Secondly, he said the two countries should further expand the scale and scope
of bilateral cooperation and lift trade and economic cooperation to a new level.
Hu said China is ready to step up cooperation with Namibia in such areas as
mineral resources, agriculture, fishing, infrastructures and telecommunications.
China will encourage well-established Chinese companies to participate in the
construction and development of Namibia, he said.
The Chinese President said the two countries should strengthen cooperation in
tourism, justice and human resources development. China has decided to list
Namibia as one of the overseas tourism destinations of Chinese citizens, Hu
said.
China and Namibia should strengthen consultation and cooperation in regional
and international affairs so as to jointly maintain the interests and rights of
developing countries.
Pohamba said the Namibian and Chinese people share a long-standing tradition
of friendship dating back to the 1960s. He said the Chinese government and
people have given firm and sincere support to the Namibian people during their
struggle for independence and freedom and in their cause of national
construction since gaining independence.
Pohamba said now the solid relationship between Namibia and China is seeing
the two countries continue to expand bilateral cooperation. He expressed the
wish that his visit to China will further expand bilateral cooperation that will
bring benefits to both of the peoples.
Pohamba emphasized that the Namibian government firmly adhere to the
one-China policy and supports the cause of reunification of China.
Hu said the people of China and Namibia share a long history of friendly
communication and deep friendship. Since the two countries established
diplomatic links 15 years ago, China-Namibia relations have withstood the test
of time and ever-changing situations, Hu said.
Hu noted that the two countries have continuously expanded cooperation and
listed achievements in such areas as politics, trade, economy, education,
culture, public health and justice. The two countries have maintained close
consultation and coordination on major international and regional issues.
Hu expressed appreciation of Namibia's firm adherence to the one-China policy
and its support to the cause of reunification of China.
Pohamba said Namibia is expecting to further expand exchanges and deepen
friendship with China. He expressed the wish that the two countries should
strengthen cooperation in such areas as road, power, harbor construction,
telecommunications, agriculture, fishing and mining. He welcomes Chinese
companies to Namibia and invest in these areas. He also hopes the two countries
will increase exchanges on tourism and vocational training.
They also exchanged views on the situation in Africa and on China-Africa
relations. Hu emphasized that it is the firm policy of the Chinese government to
consolidate traditional friendship with Africa, strengthen all-round cooperation
with Africa and realize common development with Africa.
Hu said China is ready to work with African countries to implement measures
for assisting the development of African countries within the framework of
China-Africa Cooperation Forum. China is ready to make greater contributions to
the progress and development of Africa, Hu said.
Pohamba spoke highly of China's foreign policy and the active role that China
plays in regional and international affairs. He expressed willingness to
strengthen communication and coordination with China so as to jointly safeguard
the interests of developing countries and push forward Africa-China relations.
After the talks, Hu and Pohamba attended a ceremony of signing documents on
bilateral cooperation, including an agreement on economic and technological
cooperation between the governments of both countries.
Before the talks, President Hu held a welcoming ceremony for President
Pohamba in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Pohamba arrived in Beijing earlier Monday, continuing his state visit to
China after visiting Hainan province and Chongqing city in southern part of the
country.
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