WINDHOEK, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- A celebration event was held in the Namibian capital of Windhoek on Friday night to mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Namibia, alongside the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
The dual celebrations were attended by high-ranking officials from both countries, including Namibian Deputy Minister of International Relations and Trade Jenelly Matundu, as well as diplomats from other foreign missions.
In a statement delivered on behalf of Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Matundu extended warmest congratulations and best wishes to China, emphasizing a relationship deeply rooted in solidarity, mutual respect, and shared aspirations.
The partnership, formalized in 1990, has grown into a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. Matundu credited the strengthening of the bilateral relationship in 2018 under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Officials from both countries underscored the breadth of their collaboration across multiple sectors.
China has been a crucial partner in Namibia's development, funding and constructing major projects such as the Hosea Kutako International Airport Road, various schools and housing projects, and renewable energy facilities like the Rosh Pinah Solar Power Plant and the Otjikoto Biomass Power Station, said Ashipala-Musavyi in the statement.
Zhao Weiping, Chinese ambassador to Namibia, said China is working with Namibia to implement a zero-tariff treatment for African countries, which would create new trade opportunities for Namibian products like mutton, goat meat, and fisheries.
He noted that the partnership has also fostered strong people-to-people exchanges.
China has provided numerous scholarships to Namibian students, and cultural institutions like the Confucius Institute and the newly-opened Hoachanas Library have strengthened educational ties, Zhao said.
The ambassador also called on both countries, as members of the Global South, to work together on the world stage, advocating for a fairer and more just international order. Zhao described the bilateral ties as a model of brotherly relationship among developing countries and a shining example of South-South cooperation.
In a toast to the partnership's future, he expressed confidence in the ongoing collaboration, noting that the two countries are ready to fully tap the potential of bilateral ties and advance them to even greater heights. ■