Linea Dishena
President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah yesterday met with China’s foreign affairs minister Wang Yi.
She said the meeting is an indication of strengthening bilateral cooperation between Namibia and China.
Wang, who is also a member of the political bureau of the Chinese Communist Party, arrived on Saturday.
His two-day work visit includes holding talks with President Nangolo Mbumba in Swakopmund yesterday.
“In 2018, when our two presidents met, they agreed to elevate our cooperation to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. That, for us, means a lot. Therefore, your visit at the beginning of the year is very significant,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
She thanked the Communist Party for sending a delegation to observe the presidential and national elections in November last year.
She noted that the gesture speaks to the long-time friendship between the people of Namibia and China.
Wang said the visit is aimed at comparing notes with their Namibian counterparts following the 2024 summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in September 2024 in Beijing.
The forum was attended by President Mbumba.
Wang stated that Chinese foreign ministers undertake overseas trips every year.
Traditionally, the first visits are to African countries, marking a distinct feature of China’s diplomacy.
“We cherish the time-honoured friendship between China and Africa – be it during the extraordinary times of fighting for national independence and liberation, or as we pursue mutually beneficial cooperation in the process of common development,” the minister said.
He noted that China and Africa have always understood, trusted, supported and helped each other, particularly through the joint efforts of China’s President Xi Jinping and African leaders.
“China’s bilateral relations with all 53 African countries have been elevated to the level of strategic relations for the shared future.
“We hope that through upholding the tradition of visiting Africa first in the new year, we can show the world that whatever happens in the international and regional situations, China will always be the most trustworthy and reliable friend of African brothers and sisters,” he said.
Meanwhile, President Nangolo Mbumba has said government has approved the joint venture between Namwater and the China General Nuclear Power Group to invest and raise the required N$3 billion for the establishment of the Husab desalination plant.
The project, which is included under the China-Namibia Belt and Road Initiative, will significantly alleviate water shortages in Namibia’s central and western areas.
Mbumba made the remarks yesterday at Swakopmund, when he met Wang.
The President said China has pledged N$50 million to fight drought in the country as announced by president Xi Jinping during a recent bilateral meeting.
“I am informed that a ship with food donations has left China in December 2024 and is expected in Namibia by January this year. Furthermore, about 14 industrial boreholes are to be drilled throughout Namibia as part of the drought assistance this year,” he said
In mining, Chinese investment, mainly from Rossing Uranium and Swakopmund Uranium, continues to play a significant role in developing Namibia’s uranium sector as one of the biggest global uranium producers, Mbumba noted.
– Nampa
– Additional reporting Staff Reporter