(September 12, 2025)

Honorable Deputy Minister Jenelly Matundu and Our Guest of Honor,
Honorable Secretary General Sophia Shaningwa,
Honorable Vice Chairperson Victoria Kauma-Mbawo,
Honorable Former Speaker Prof. Peter Katjavivi,
Honorable Deputy Minister Charles Mubita,
Distinguished Executive Directors, Deputy Executive Directors and All Senior Namibian Government Officials Present,
Honorable Former Cabinet Ministers,
Colleagues of the Diplomatic Corps,
My Fellow Chinese,
Friends from the media,
Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good evening!

I am honored to welcome all of you to attend the reception celebrating the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Namibia, and the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Namibia, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our Namibian friends from all walks of life who have long supported China-Namibia relations, send my festive greetings to my fellow Chinese in Namibia, and express my sincere gratitude to all of you for joining us this evening!

On this joyous occasion, we have specially arranged nearly two hours of symphonic music to celebrate the 35th anniversary of China-Namibia diplomatic relations. Over the past 35 years, with the strong support of successive governments and leaders of both countries, especially under the strategic guidance of our heads of state and through the joint efforts of both sides, China-Namibia relations have maintained strong momentum, become a model of brotherly relationship among developing countries, and presented a beautiful and grand symphony of enduring cooperation.

Looking back on the 35 years of China-Namibia relations, the two sides have always treated each other as equals, supported one another, and helped each other. High-level visits have been frequent and political relations remain close. In 2018, President Xi Jinping and then-President Hage Geingob decided to establish a Comprehensive Strategic and Cooperative Partnership between the two countries, which has become a significant milestone in China-Namibia relations.

We are glad that, since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation between our two countries has continued to expand. China has long been Namibia's major trading partner and the largest source of foreign direct investment. As a key development partner, China has implemented a series of aid projects in Namibia which have directly benefited the local people.

As both belonging to the Global South, our two countries sharing similar historical experiences and values and upholding multilateralism and international fairness and justice, have always maintained close communication on major international and regional issues.

Our two peoples have forged their profound friendship as early as during Namibia's struggle for national independence, and continued to maintain close contacts since the establishment of diplomatic ties with mutual understanding and friendly sentiments toward each other constantly deepened.

The 35 years of friendly exchanges between China and Namibia have fully demonstrated that both countries attach great importance to the development of bilateral relations, which serves the common interests of both sides and contributes to the well-being of our peoples, and China and Namibia have always been good friends and partners who can trust each other.

Looking ahead, we are full of confidence in the future of China-Namibia relations. We stand ready to work together with the Namibian side to fully tap the potential of our bilateral relations and push forward China-Namibia relations for even greater development.

Last December, H.E. President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah shortly after Her Excellency was elected President of the Republic of Namibia. In March this year, President Xi assigned his special envoy to attend President Ndaitwah's inauguration.

In January, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, following the tradition of successive Chinese Foreign Ministers to choose Africa as the destination of their first overseas visit each year, visited Namibia as the first stop of his Africa trip this year.

In June, Hon. Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Minister of International Relations and Trade of Namibia, attended the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the FOCAC held in Changsha China at the invitation of the Chinese side.

In this important year marking the 35th anniversary of the diplomatic ties, China-Namibia relations are continuing their good momentum of development and bode well for a very promising future.

We will continue to actively implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit and the consensus reached at the bilateral meeting between our two heads of state last September.

We will support the Namibian Government in achieving the socioeconomic goals set out in NDP 6.

We will work with the Namibian side to implement the zero-tariff treatment to African countries announced by President Xi as soon as possible, and ensure that our bilateral trade and development cooperation better align with Namibia's practical needs, helping Namibia achieve industrialization and agricultural modernization.

Ladies and gentlemen,

This year marks the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China, China has achieved two major miracles over the past 40 years of rapid economic growth and long-term social stability, and found a development path suited to China's national conditions, the socialism with Chinese characteristics, by successfully lifting over 800 million people out of poverty and building a moderately prosperous society in all respects. 

The experience of China's successful development shows that there is more than one path to modernization. In order to achieve modernization, a country should not only follow the general rules of modernization, but also more importantly conform with its national realities and and adopt an approach with its own characteristics.

Now, guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, the Communist Party of China is leading the Chinese people on a new journey toward Chinese modernization and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

We are focusing on developing new quality productive forces, achieving high-quality development, and advancing high-level opening-up. Despite significant external shocks, China's GDP grew by 5.3% in the first half of this year. We are confident and capable of maintaining relatively fast economic growth.

As the world's second-largest economy, second-largest consumer market, largest manufacturing power, and a rising force in technological innovation, China will continue to play a major role in promoting global economic development.

Being the largest developing country and a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China actively fulfills its responsibility in promoting world peace and development. The vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity, and the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping, have gained increasing support from countries around the world.

At the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus Meeting, President Xi proposed the Global Governance Initiative in which the core concepts are adhering to sovereign equality, abiding by international law, practicing multilateralism, advocating the people-centered approach, and focusing on taking real actions. This is another important public good that China offers to the world, aiming to contribute Chinese wisdom and solutions to improving global governance.

China recently held a grand ceremony to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The purpose is to remember history, honor fallen heroes, cherish peace, and create a better future.

As President Xi stated, China will always be a force for peace, stability and progress in the world. We sincerely hope that all countries will draw wisdom from history, value peace, jointly advance world modernization and create a better future for humanity.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Over the past 35 years, China-Namibia relations have blossomed and borne fruit, becoming a shining example of South-South cooperation.

Today, as we celebrate the 35th anniversary of China-Namibia diplomatic relations, we are not only reflecting on the achievements of our past cooperation, but also looking ahead to the endless possibilities of the future.

Facing a new era, China is ready to join hands with Namibia to carry forward our traditional friendship, elevate our Comprehensive Strategic and Cooperative Partnership to new heights, and together compose a new symphony of China-Namibia win-win cooperation.

In conclusion, let's raise our glasses. I wish to propose a toast to the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic tie between China and Namibia, to the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, to the common prosperity of our two countries, to the everlasting friendship between China and Namibia and even greater development of our bilateral relations and to the good health of all our distinguished guests! Cheers!