BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping and Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced the elevation of bilateral relations to a China-Namibia community with a shared future for the new era during talks held in Beijing on Friday.
Xi said China and Namibia share a longstanding traditional friendship and common development goals. He noted that since establishing diplomatic relations, both countries have treated each other as equals while consistently supporting one another.
Highlighting the steady growth of bilateral cooperation and its benefits for both peoples, Xi said China is ready to work with Namibia to strengthen exchanges on development experiences, align development strategies, and support each other on their respective paths to modernization.
Xi outlined three proposals aimed at building a China-Namibia community with a shared future for the new era.
He said the two countries should maintain close high-level exchanges, deepen cooperation on governance, enhance communication on strategic issues affecting bilateral relations, and continue supporting each other on matters involving their core interests and major concerns.
Xi also called for expanding practical cooperation and unlocking greater potential in bilateral ties. He encouraged Namibia to make full use of zero-tariff access, the upgraded fast-track system for Namibian exports to China, and other supportive trade policies.
He added that China is prepared to deepen cooperation with Namibia in infrastructure, energy, mining, agriculture, education, youth development, science, and technology.
Xi stressed that both countries should strengthen solidarity and coordination in defending multilateralism. He said China is willing to work with African countries, including Namibia, to amplify the voice and influence of the Global South and contribute to building a community with a shared future for humanity.
Speaking on mining cooperation, Xi noted that helping African countries develop their rich mineral resources and transform them into drivers of economic growth is an important step toward accelerating the continent’s modernization. He said China is willing to continue expanding mining cooperation with African countries, including Namibia, based on three principles.
The first is “pursuing mutual benefit and win-win cooperation,” Xi said, adding that both sides should make full use of their complementary strengths and deepen shared interests.
Xi said the second principle is “conducting friendly consultation,” calling for resolving issues through communication and consultation while keeping the broader China-Africa friendship in mind.
He added that the third principle is “breaking new ground,” saying China is ready to work with Africa to explore new forms of cooperation guided by market-oriented and commercial principles, with the aim of improving the quality of China-Africa mining cooperation.
For her part, Nandi-Ndaitwah congratulated China on the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. She said Namibia highly values its relationship with China and remains firmly committed to the one-China principle.
The Namibian president welcomed greater investment from Chinese companies and expressed hope for expanded cooperation in sectors including industry, mining, infrastructure, aviation and space, science and technology, agriculture, and water resources.
She said China has consistently provided selfless support and assistance to African countries, including Namibia, while maintaining a fair position on international and regional issues. She added that Namibia will strengthen communication and coordination with China to safeguard the shared interests of developing countries and jointly build a community with a shared future for humanity.
Following the talks, the two presidents witnessed the signing of several cooperation agreements covering economy and trade, healthcare, education, and human resources.
The two sides also issued a joint statement on building a China-Namibia community with a shared future for the new era.
Earlier in the day, Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, hosted a welcome ceremony for President Nandi-Ndaitwah and her spouse, Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah. They also held a welcome banquet in their honor later that evening.
