Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday in Swakopmund, where both leaders pledged to advance bilateral cooperation and the outcomes of last year’s Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in Beijing.
Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, stressed the enduring strength of the China-Africa relationship, noting that despite geographical distances, the bond between China and Africa has remained steadfast.
“The China-Africa relationship has stood the test of changing global circumstances and is now showing new and promising prospects,” Wang said, underscoring China’s commitment to Africa. He emphasized that China remains a trusted partner for Africa and continues to prioritize the continent in its diplomatic strategy.
For 35 years, Chinese foreign ministers have chosen Africa as their first overseas destination each year, a tradition that Wang said reflects China’s unwavering support. He added that strengthening China-Africa cooperation is more vital than ever, especially as their joint development symbolizes the rise of the Global South and a growing commitment to global justice.
Wang noted that Namibia, a key member of Africa, is an important partner in China’s strategic cooperation efforts. He pointed to the success of the 2022 FOCAC summit, where Chinese President Xi Jinping introduced 10 action plans to support modernization in Africa, marking a new phase in China-Africa relations. He expressed China’s readiness to work with Namibia to implement these plans and assist in the country’s modernization process.
“Namibia’s resources and development potential are unique, and the country has adopted a people-centered governance philosophy,” Wang said, praising Namibia’s path of development tailored to its national conditions. He also emphasized China’s desire to deepen exchanges on governance and expand cooperation across multiple sectors to achieve mutual development.
Mbumba, in turn, reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to its longstanding friendship with China, based on mutual respect and cooperation. He emphasized that despite differences in size, Namibia and China maintain a relationship rooted in solidarity.
“Namibia firmly adheres to the one-China principle, supports China’s territorial integrity, including Taiwan, and admires China’s development under the leadership of Xi Jinping,” Mbumba said, adding that Namibia is eager to strengthen interparty exchanges with China and share governance experiences.
Mbumba recalled his previous meeting with President Xi during the FOCAC summit, where the two leaders agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations. He expressed Namibia’s support for the Beijing Declaration and the FOCAC Action Plan, which was adopted at the summit, and emphasized the country’s desire to expand cooperation in infrastructure, digital economy, energy, agriculture, and education.
Namibia also expressed support for Xi’s three global initiatives: the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative. Mbumba said Namibia looks forward to continuing mutual support and collaboration with China in international and regional matters to safeguard shared interests.
On the same day, Wang also met with Namibia’s President-elect, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.