Chinese President Hu Jintao(R) shakes hands with former Namibian President Sam Nujoma, who is also head of Namibia's ruling South West African People's Organization (SWAPO), at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, May 24, 2006. [Xinhua Photo]

China attaches great importance to relations with Namibia and will work with Namibia to promote concrete cooperation in various fields, said President Hu Jintao in Beijing on May 24 (Wednesday).

Hu made the remarks in a meeting with former Namibian President Sam Nujoma, who is also head of Namibia's ruling South West African People's Organization (SWAPO).

Hu spoke highly of Nujoma's contribution to developing China-Namibia and China-Africa relations, saying that Chinese and Namibian people enjoy traditional friendship, and the two nations have witnessed healthy growth of bilateral relations since forging diplomatic ties in 1990.

Hu said the two countries have maintained frequent high-level visits, fruitful cooperation in politics, economy, trade, culture, education and health, and mutual support and close coordination in international affairs.

China appreciates Namibia's adherence to the one-China policy and its support in Taiwan and human rights issues, the president said, noting that China is ready to join Namibia in promoting friendship and cooperation to the benefit of the two countries and the two peoples.

Giving a high evaluation to the important role of China-Namibia party-to-party relations to the development of bilateral relations, Hu said the CPC is ready to further increase exchanges and cooperation with SWAPO, in an effort to promote the friendly cooperation between the two countries.

Nujoma expressed appreciation for China's remarkable achievements in economic and social progress and thanked China for providing support and assistance to Namibia.

SWAPO and the Namibian government attach great importance to friendly relations with China, and will further promote the existing friendship between the two countries and the two parties and will increase mutually-beneficial cooperation in economy and trade, he noted.

Namibia firmly opposes any form of secessionist activities of the "Taiwan independence" forces, and supports China's reunification, he said.

Nujoma also spoke highly of China's support to the development of African nations, believing that the China-Africa Cooperation Forum will help promote the Africa-China exchanges in various fields.

Nujoma arrived in Beijing on May 16 for an eleven-day visit to China.