Mulisa Simiyasa 

RIETFONTEIN – China’s ambassador to Namibia Zhao Weiping yesterday paid a courtesy visit to the National Youth Service (NYS) centre at Rietfontein, situated outside Grootfontein in the Otjozondjupa region.

NYS public relations officer Belinda Hamburee in a media statement said Zhao had extensive discussions with NYS Commissioner Felix Musukubili.
Their discussions revolved around the re-affirmed relations of the governments of Namibia and China on the strong bilateral ties in various sectors.

China’s ongoing commitment to Namibia’s youth development, like the construction of the Rietfontein Training Centre carried out in 2019 by the Chinese Government, also formed part of their official talks, Hamburee said.

The discussions in addition focused on ways to expand cooperation in the areas of youth development, agriculture, infrastructure and capacity-building.

“We are pleased to have contributed to youth development through the construction of this centre, which stands as a testament to the enduring friendship between China and Namibia,” said Zhao.

He further expressed satisfaction in seeing that the training centre is well-maintained and plays a major role in advancing the Namibian Government’s priorities in youth empowerment.

The ambassador promised continued support to the NYS, and said they are also contemplating introducing workshops in Namibia to train skilled artisans and complement national youth development efforts.
On his part, Musukubili expressed gratitude for China’s continued support of NYS projects.

He noted that the Rietfontein centre has now been tasked to establish production units that will support Government’s infrastructural projects and create pathways for internships, which will ultimately drive economic growth.

The Chinese Embassy and NYS pledged to continue engaging each other and identifying opportunities for collaboration, going forward.
-Nampa