Namibian President Hage Geingob speaks during an interview with Xinhua in New York, Sept. 27, 2019. (Xinhua/Zou Guangping)
NEW YORK, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- The key to China's remarkable achievements over the past seven decades lies in the leadership of the Communist Party of China and its pursuit of socialism with Chinese characteristics, Namibian President Hage Geingob has said.
He made the remarks during an interview with Xinhua on the sidelines of the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly, ahead of the 70th founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China.
"On behalf of Namibia in Africa, I wish our friends in China many happy returns of this historic day," Geingob said, extending good wishes to the Chinese people.
Geingob, who has visited China multiple times, said that he was impressed by China's dramatic changes during each visit. "Everytime you go you see change ... new buildings, new cities, new highways everywhere you go."
Hailing China's notable achievements over the past 70 years, the Namibian president said that China has successfully combined the strengths of socialism with the market economy, ensured the basic needs of the people, such as medicare and education, and promoted stable social development -- something African countries could learn from.
Geingob spoke highly of Namibia-China relations, adding that his country looks forward to continuously strengthening communication and coordination with China on regional and international affairs.
Reviewing the profound friendship between the two countries over the past decades, Geingob said "this friendship starts with mutual respect for each other."
The Namibian leader attributed that to the Chinese culture, which features treating others as equals and with respect.
He noted that at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in 2018, China offered a heartfelt welcoming ceremony for African leaders and demonstrated sincerity in engaging in dialogue with them.
In recent years, China has continuously increased its assistance to Namibia in a wide range of areas including transportation, agriculture, health and education. Trade between the two countries continues to grow.
As of 2018, Chinese enterprises in Namibia created over 10,000 jobs. In addition, the Chinese government has provided Namibia with personnel training across a number of fields.
In 2018, Geingob paid a state visit to China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, during which the two heads of state agreed to elevate China-Namibia ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation.
The two countries have unfolded a new chapter of cooperation with the elevation of their ties, Geingob said, adding that Namibia welcomes future Chinese investments to generate more jobs for the local people and stands ready to further deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with China.
"We are looking forward to strengthening what we have already established as good friends," he said.
Describing China as a sincere friend and partner of Africa, Geingob also lauded China's commitment over the years to the development of Africa, which has benefited the African people.
The president said he expects China to continue playing the role of a major responsible country in the global efforts to combat terrorism, address climate change, maintain world peace and promote common development.
Meanwhile, Geingob warned against the dangers of unilateralism and stressed the importance of multilateralism, of which China is a steadfast champion.
"Multilateralism, that's the way forward," he said. "We have to now look at the world and hold hands as a group of countries."
