On February 5, 2007, Chinese President Hu Jintao held talks with his Namibian counterpart Hifikepunye Pohamba in Windhoek. The two heads of state spoke highly of China-Namibia friendship and cooperation, and held in-depth discussions on the ways and approaches of strengthening bilateral cooperation. They agreed to make joint efforts to actively implement various consensuses and raise their friendly cooperation to a new level.
Hu said the Chinese and Namibian peoples share a profound traditional friendship. In the Namibian people's long-term struggle for national liberation, the two peoples have shared weal and woe with each other and forged a profound militant friendship, laying a firm basis for the comprehensive development of bilateral ties after Namibia's independence. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 17 years ago, the two countries have maintained close high-level visits, conducted effective cooperation in the areas of economy, trade, education, health and culture and kept close coordination in international affairs. China will never forget the support offered by Namibia without the least hesitation whenever China needs it, said Hu. On the Taiwan question, Namibia has always adhered to the one-China policy, supports China's grand cause of reunification and firmly opposes "Taiwan independence", he said. The two countries are trusted friends and partners, added Hu.
Hu said the Chinese government is stepping up efforts to implement the eight policy measures proposed by China at the Beijing Summit of the Forum of China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) on strengthening pragmatic cooperation with Africa and supporting the development of African countries, in a bid to boost China-Namibia, China-Africa ties. Hu made a four-point proposal on promoting China-Namibia ties. First, enhancing political exchanges and boosting political mutual trust. The leaders of the two countries should keep frequent exchanges of visits to communicate and exchange ideas on bilateral ties and other major issues of common concern, so as to build up their traditional friendship. Second, expanding cooperation in economy and trade with an aim to achieve mutual benefit and a win-win outcome. China supports Namibia's efforts to develop economy and is ready to offer assistance to Namibia within its ability. China will encourage and support competent enterprises to invest in Namibia and explore ways of cooperation with their Namibian counterparts in infrastructure, agriculture and other sectors. China will also try to adjust its foreign trade structure so as to gradually achieve a balance in bilateral trade with Namibia. Third, expanding humanistic exchanges and enhancing people-to-people friendship. Both sides should promote bilateral cooperation in education, public health, culture, tourism and other areas of social development. China has decided to provide assistance to Namibia in building schools and hospitals in rural areas. It will also increase government-funded scholarships for Namibian students and train more professionals for the Southern African country. Both sides should also conduct exchanges between their regional governments to promote people-to-people contacts. Fourth, keeping closer coordination and cooperation and strengthening mutual support in international affairs. The two sides should coordinate their positions on major issues in a timely manner and maintain close cooperation in the United Nations and other multilateral organizations, in order to safeguard the common interests of both sides and other developing countries.
Pohamba said the Namibian people will never forget that the Chinese government and people had stood firmly by and offered precious support to the Namibian side during Namibia's struggle for national liberation and economic and social development afterward. Namibia cherishes its friendship with China and is committed to expanding and deepening the mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas between the two countries.
For his part, Pohamba said that Hu's state visit to Namibia occurred three months following the Beijing summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), demonstrating the importance China attaches to its ties with Namibia and its efforts to fulfill its promises made at the summit. He agreed with Hu's suggestions on strengthening bilateral cooperation in all areas, adding that such cooperation enjoys huge potentials. Namibia hopes to strengthen cooperation with China in trade, investment, energy, mining, fishery, agriculture, infrastructure, transportation and communications and to expand collaboration with China in such areas as human resources training, exchanges of technology and management experience, education and tourism, he said. Pohamba reiterated Namibia's unswerving adherence to the one-China policy and its support for China's efforts to achieve national reunification at an early date.
Pohamba introduced the current situation in Africa and spoke highly of China's important role in safeguarding world peace and stability.
Hu pointed out that Africa, particularly southern Africa, has generally been peaceful and stable in recent years, with economy in the region growing steadily, and the efforts to boost strength through concerted endeavors have yielded positive results. African countries and regional organizations have endeavored to safeguard the hard-won good situation and vigorously pushed forward regional political and economic integration for a long-term stability and sustainable development, he said. Namibia has witnessed political stability and economic growth and has played a positive role in regional affairs, he noted. Hu reiterated China's support for the endeavors made by African countries to boost strength through concerted efforts and strive for Africa's rejuvenation. China is ready to enhance cooperation with African countries and regional organizations within the framework of FOCAC for the further growth of the traditional friendship and the mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Africa, he said.
After the talks, Hu and Pohamba witnessed the signing of five documents on bilateral cooperation in the areas of economy and technology, human resources training, education and tourism.
On the same day, Hu called on the staff of the Chinese Embassy in Namibia and representatives from Chinese-funded institutions and overseas Chinese.
State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan attended the abovementioned activities.