Li Ruihuan, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the remark while meeting Kandy Nehova, chairman of the Namibia National Council.

"We would like to make further efforts with the Namibian side to explore new ways of bilateral cooperation in new fields in a bid to bring the bilateral relations to a new level," said Li, who arrived here Wednesday afternoon for a five-day official visit.

Reviewing the bilateral relations, he said China and Namibia enjoy a long history of close friendship.

The past 12 years since the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the two countries, he said, have witnessed smooth development of the bilateral relations, frequent high level visits and increasing exchanges in the fields of politics, economy, trade, culture, education and public health.

Li also expressed his appreciation to the Namibian government for its support to China on the key issues of human rights and Taiwan, stressing "the enhancement of the bilateral relations will help maintain world peace and stability."

While speaking highly of Namibia's economic achievement and foreign policy, he said the Chinese people are pleased to see new progress made by Namibia, one of the youngest republics on the African continent.

"Namibia has made positive contributions to the peace, stability and development in southern Africa and the continent as a whole," he added.

Nehova thanked Li for the support by the Chinese people to the Namibian people in their struggle for national liberation and independence.

"We are very proud to have China as a real and reliable friend. The high level visits between the two countries will surely promote further development of the bilateral relations," he said.

He expressed his belief that Li's visit will be a success and the friendly relations between Namibia and China will be further consolidated.

(Xinhua News Agency February 14, 2003)