Rafael Hangula
Speaker of Namibia’s National Assembly Peter Katjavivi and the vice chairman of the standing committee of China’s National People’s Congress, Cai Dafeng expressed mutual appreciation and commitment to furthering cooperation between their respective parliaments.
In a bilateral meeting that took place on Friday at Parliament, Katjavivi highlighted the significant support extended by China to Namibia, particularly during the challenging period of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The relationship between Namibia and China has been strengthened through various parliamentary exchanges and significant gestures of goodwill. Not long ago, during the Covid-19 pandemic, China assisted us with the much-needed Covid-19 vaccine, and medical equipment,” he said.
“Before Covid-19, Li Zhanshu, chairman of the standing committee of the NPC, donated the parliamentary bus, as well as the refurbishment of our C1 conference hall, both of which have greatly enhanced our parliamentary facilities and operations, and helped us to execute our mandate during the pandemic,” he added.
He said the assistance provided by China at national and parliamentary levels has been instrumental in bolstering Namibia’s capacity to navigate through the crisis, and prepare for future challenges.
He added that the assistance has facilitated the smooth functioning of Namibia’s National Assembly, enabling it to fulfill its constitutional obligations effectively.
“This support has been crucial in mitigating the adverse impacts of the pandemic on Namibia’s socio-economic landscape,” he said.
As part of ongoing parliamentary exchanges, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the NPC announced material assistance worth 500 000 Yuan to support the operational needs of Namibia’s parliament, highlighting the enduring commitment to strengthening legislative ties between the two nations.
“This gesture underscores the depth of cooperation between the legislative bodies of both countries, and reflects China’s enduring commitment to strengthening ties with Namibia,” said Dafeng.
“We need to join hands in defending each other’s interests, and the common interests of developing countries to make positive achievements to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind,” he added.
“Undoubtedly, exchanges between our two legislatures are an important part of China-Namibia relationship. Under your personal care and support, Mr Speaker, the exchanges between our two legislative institutions have seen many highlights and remarkable achievements,” he said.
He further lauded Namibia’s unwavering support on issues of mutual concern, including Taiwan, human rights, Xinjiang and Hong Kong, affirming the strength of bilateral ties over the past 34 years.
Dafeng also acknowledged the Speaker’s dedication to promoting global peace and development, whilst affirming his support for Namibia to assume a greater role in both regional and international affairs.
“The commitment to bolster international coordination with Namibia underscores China’s commitment to fostering collaboration between nations for mutual benefit,” he stated.
Looking ahead, both parties reiterated their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation across various sectors.
Dafeng pledged to further enhance high-level exchanges, share governance experiences and promote mutually-beneficial partnerships for common development in key areas such as infrastructure, agriculture, education and green energy, with a focus on maximising Namibia’s resource potential.
The meeting also underscored the importance of multilateral collaboration in advancing common interests, and defending international fairness and justice.
*Rafael Hangula works for the Research and Information Services’ Division at Parliament.