China's top political advisor arrives in Namibia for official visit

WINDHOEK, March 25 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin on Thursday arrived in Windhoek to kick off his official visit to the southwestern African nation of Namibia.

Jia Qinglin (Front R), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's  Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), is welcomed by people upon his arrival  in Windhoek, capital of Namibia, March 25, 2010. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the country's top advisory body, was making the visit at the invitation of the National Council of Namibia.

Namibia was the second leg of Jia's 10-day African tour which already took him to Cameroon. He will also visit South Africa next week.

In a written statement issued upon his arrival at the airport, Jia described Namibia as one of the youngest state in Africa, which obtained its full independence in 1990, and as a state full of vigor and vitality.

Jia said the China-Namibia relationship had developed smoothly since the two countries forged diplomatic ties in 1990, hailing frequent high-level exchanges and fruitful cooperation in politics, trade, culture, education and public health.

Jia said his visit was aimed at boosting the understanding and friendship between the two nations and consolidating the cooperation in all fields.

During his stay in Namibia, Jia will meet with Namibian leaders and attend a reception marking the 20th anniversary of the establishment of China-Namibia diplomatic relationship.