President Hu Jintao put forward four suggestions for ushering in a new era of China-Namibia relations during talks with Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba in Beijing Monday afternoon.

Hu said relations between China and Namibia have entered a new stage of development. The two countries should continue to maintain multi-level exchanges between high-ranking officials, parliaments, political parties and governmental departments so as to reinforce and develop a sound political relationship.

Secondly, he said the two countries should further expand the scale and scope of bilateral cooperation and lift trade and economic cooperation to a new level. Hu said China is ready to step up cooperation with Namibia in such areas as mineral resources, agriculture, fishing, infrastructures and telecommunications. China will encourage well-established Chinese companies to participate in the construction and development of Namibia, he said.

He said the two countries should strengthen cooperation in tourism, justice and human resources development. China has decided to list Namibia as one of the overseas tourism destinations of Chinese citizens, Hu said.

China and Namibia should strengthen consultation and cooperation in regional and international affairs so as to jointly maintain the interests and rights of developing countries.

Pohamba said the Namibian and Chinese people share a long-standing tradition of friendship dating back to the 1960s. He said the Chinese government and people have given firm and sincere support to the Namibian people during their struggle for independence and freedom and in their cause of national construction since gaining independence.

He said now the solid relationship between Namibia and China is seeing the two countries continue to expand bilateral cooperation. He expressed the wish that his visit to China will further expand bilateral cooperation that will bring benefits to both of the peoples.

He emphasized that the Namibian government firmly adhere to the one-China policy and supports the cause of reunification of China.

Hu said the people of China and Namibia share a long history of friendly communication and deep friendship. Since the two countries established diplomatic links 15 years ago, China-Namibia relations have withstood the test of time and ever-changing situations, Hu said.

Hu noted that the two countries have continuously expanded cooperation and listed achievements in such areas as politics, trade, economy, education, culture, public health and justice. The two countries have maintained close consultation and coordination on major international and regional issues.

Hu expressed appreciation of Namibia's firm adherence to the one-China policy and its support to the cause of reunification of China.

Pohamba said Namibia is expecting to further expand exchanges and deepen friendship with China. He expressed the wish that the two countries should strengthen cooperation in such areas as road, power, harbor construction, telecommunications, agriculture, fishing and mining. He welcomes Chinese companies to Namibia and invest in these areas. He also hopes the two countries will increase exchanges on tourism and vocational training.

They also exchanged views on the situation in Africa and on China-Africa relations. Hu emphasized that it is the firm policy of the Chinese government to consolidate traditional friendship with Africa, strengthen all-round cooperation with Africa and realize common development with Africa.

Hu said China is ready to work with African countries to implement measures for assisting the development of African countries within the framework of China-Africa Cooperation Forum. China is ready to make greater contributions to the progress and development of Africa, Hu said.

Pohamba spoke highly of China's foreign policy and the active role that China plays in regional and international affairs. He expressed willingness to strengthen communication and coordination with China so as to jointly safeguard the interests of developing countries and push forward Africa-China relations.

After the talks, Hu and Pohamba attended a ceremony of signing documents on bilateral cooperation, including an agreement on economic and technological cooperation between the governments of both countries.

Before the talks, Hu held a welcoming ceremony for Pohamba in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Pohamba arrived in Beijing earlier Monday, continuing his state visit to China after visiting Hainan Province and Chongqing City in southern part of the country.

(Xinhua News Agency December 20, 2005)