"Developing countries must be united and must support each other. They should enhance cooperation among Asian and African countries and non-alignment nations and the South-South cooperation," said the 73-year-old president.

Nujoma made the remarks while meeting Li Ruihuan, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), who arrived here Wednesday for a five-day official visit to Namibia.

The Namibian president extended warm welcome to Li Ruihuan for his visit on behalf of the Namibian government and the Namibian people, saying "the peoples of Namibia and China are old friends and good friends."

Nujoma assured the Chinese leader that Namibia would adhere to "One China" policy and Taiwan is an inseparable part of China, saying "we are looking forward to the reunification of China at an early date."

He also expressed his thanks to Li Ruihuan for the comprehensive support by the Chinese people to the Namibian people in their struggle for national liberation and independence.

He expressed his belief that Li's visit will be a success, the friendly relations between Namibia and China will be further consolidated and cooperation in various fields will be further promoted.

Reviewing the bilateral relations since the establishment of the diplomatic relations 12 years ago, Li Ruihuan said, China and Namibia enjoy a long history of close friendship. The past 12 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties have witnessed smooth development of the relations between the two countries and increasing exchanges and cooperation in various fields.

Li Ruihuan expressed his appreciation to the Namibian government for its support to China on such key issues of One China and human right, saying "the Chinese government attaches great importance to traditional friendly relations with Namibia and will make further efforts to enhance bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields."

Speaking about development, he said, China and Namibia belong to developing countries. Development is a worldwide topic and main task for developing countries. Many problems can not be solved without development in developing countries.

"The same conditions and common tasks decide that there are many common languages and common interest among developing countries. Therefore, developing countries should strengthen unity and seek equal status in international arena," he said.

He stressed that there is no development in the world if there is no development in developing countries. Developing countries will make an important contribution to the world if they obtain development.

At the same day, Li Ruihuan also met with Namibian Parliament Speaker Mose Tjitendero. The two leaders expressed their hope that the relations between the Chinese and Namibian parliaments will be further consolidated.

(People’s Daily February 14, 2003)