Wang Yi meets Namibian leaders, says tradition of Chinese foreign minister making Africa the first overseas visit never changing or wavering

The Chinese Foreign Minister's first overseas visit each year is always to Africa, which is a fine tradition and a distinctive feature of China's diplomacy. This practice has remained consistent for 35 years, never changing or wavering, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during his visit to Namibia on Monday.

During his visit to Namibia, Wang respectively met with Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba and President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Monday.

During his meeting with Nandi-Ndaitwah, Wang said that the primary reason for making Africa the first stop is because China cherishes the enduring friendship between China and Africa. Whether in the glorious years of striving for national independence and liberation, or in the common journey of seeking mutual benefit and cooperation, 
China and Africa have always understood, trusted, supported, and helped each other, Wang added.

By adhering to the tradition of making Africa the first overseas visit of the new year, China hopes to show the world that no matter what changes occur in the international and regional situation. China will always be the most trustworthy friend of our African brothers and sisters, always be the most reliable partner in the pursuit of development and revitalization for African countries, and always be the strongest support for Africa on the international stage, said Wang.

We will continue to uphold this tradition, as the world increasingly needs enhanced cooperation between China and Africa, Wang said during his meeting with Mbumba, adding that the development of China and Africa symbolizes the ascent of the Global South and the fortification of the forces of justice.

Strengthening unity and cooperation between China and Africa, and jointly safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, is in line with historical justice, the trend of the times, and also meets the common aspirations of the 2.8 billion people of China and Africa.

Wang also said that China will continue to support Namibia in pursuing a development and revitalization path that suits its national conditions and appreciates Namibia's long-standing firm adherence to the one-China principle. China is willing to deepen political mutual trust with Namibia, enhance exchanges between parties and governance experience, increase ideological and conceptual alignment, and provide guidance and security for the development of bilateral relations, he added.

China is willing to offer as much support as possible for Namibia's economic development, help Namibia transform its resource advantages into development advantages and benefits for its people, and work together to advance their respective modernization processes.
Mbumba said that although the countries differ in size, Namibia and China have always maintained friendship, solidarity, and cooperation, as well as mutual respect and support. Namibia firmly upholds the One-China policy, supports China's efforts to safeguard its territorial integrity, and admires Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and the development achievements made under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. Namibia is willing to strengthen inter-party cooperation with China and engage in exchanges on governance and administration experience, according to the Chinese foreign ministry website. 

Nandi-Ndaitwah said the Namibian and Chinese people have enjoyed a long-standing friendship. Namibia will, as always, work to consolidate and develop Namibia-China cooperation and remain steadfast in adhering to the One-China principle. Namibia is willing to actively implement the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit, strengthen cooperation with China in areas such as trade, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and energy resources, bring opportunities for Namibia's economic and social development, and deliver benefits to the people of both countries.

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