China and Namibia have maintained a relationship that went through various tests, a senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) said as he met with Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba in Windhoek Thursday morning.

Li Changchun, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, also met Thursday with Sam Nujoma, chairman of the ruling South West African People's Organization (SWAPO).

In the meeting with President Pohamba, Li congratulated Pohambafor assuming office in March. Li said this year marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Namibia, as well as the 15th anniversary of the independence of Namibia.

Over the past 15 years, China and Namibia have seen smooth development of bilateral relations and fruitful cooperation in various fields, Li said. He noted that the two countries have understood and supported each other on international affairs.

Li said the relations between China and Namibia and the political parties of the two countries have withstood various tests. He said China cherish the friendship with Namibia and is ready to add new vigor to the healthy and consistent development of bilateral relations.

Li expressed appreciation on Namibia for its consistent support to the Chinese government on such major issues as Taiwan.

Pohamba, also vice chairman of SWAPO, said the visit to Namibia by Li and the CPC delegation is a strong evidence of the continually strengthening of friendly cooperation between the two countries and of the friendship and solidarity between the two peoples.

Pohamba said in the Namibian people's struggle for national freedom and independence, the CPC and the Chinese government and people had lent selfless assistance and support to Namibia. SWAPO, as well as the Namibian government and people appreciate this help and will never forget it, he said.

He noted that since Namibia and China established diplomatic links, the two countries have continuously strengthened cooperation in various fields, including economy, culture, science and technology. These cooperation have brought and will continue to bring benefits to the people of the two countries.

Pohamba congratulates China on its new progress in manned spaceflight. He expressed the wish that China would continue to make new progress in building a socialist country with Chinese characteristics and realizing reunification of the country.

After the meeting with Pohamba, Li attended the signing ceremony of agreements on investment protection between China and Namibia and on China's soft loans and donation of office goods to Namibia.

Li also met with SWAPO Chairman Sam Nujoma Thursday morning. He called Nujoma an old friend of the Chinese people and praised Nujoma's significant contribution to the development of relations between China and Namibia and the political parties of the two countries.

He said the CPC delegation's visit to Namibia is aimed to review the traditional friendship between the two countries, enhance mutual trust, expand the area of cooperation and deepen China-Namibia relations. During the visit, Li and the CPC delegation he headed will have broad and intensive conversation with state and party leaders of Namibia on issues of common concern.

He said China is ready to take joint actions with Namibia to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and continuously deepen bilateral cooperation in all fields.

Nujoma said Li's visit to Namibia is to further strengthen the friendly, cooperative relationship between the two countries, the two peoples and the two political parties. He said the CPC and Chinese government have proved as long-tested, trust-worthy friends of SWAPO, the Namibian people and government.

Nujoma said SWAPO is ready to join efforts with China to enhance exchange between political parties of the two countries and lift bilateral cooperation in such fields as economy, trade, science, technology, culture and tourism to a new level.

(Xinhua News Agency November 18, 2005)