Staff Reporter
NAMIBIA and China have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across key economic sectors, following high-level talks between their foreign ministers during an official visit to China.
Minister of International Relations and Trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi undertook an official visit to China from 11 to 18 April 2026 at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. During the visit, the two ministers held extensive discussions on Namibia–China relations, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest, reaching consensus on several areas of cooperation.
Both countries reiterated their strong support for multilateralism, emphasising the need for inclusive dialogue and collective approaches to global challenges. They also pledged to strengthen cooperation at international platforms to enhance the voice and influence of developing countries and promote South-South cooperation.
Namibia expressed support for key global initiatives proposed by China and reaffirmed its commitment to continued collaboration on international affairs, while both sides agreed to defend the shared interests of the Global South.
The two countries also highlighted their longstanding diplomatic ties and noted steady progress in bilateral cooperation. They committed to maintaining high-level engagements and deepening political trust, while advancing practical cooperation across sectors such as energy, oil and gas, mining, agriculture, science and technology, education, tourism, infrastructure, and human resource development.
Namibia underscored the importance of adding value to its natural resources, including critical minerals like uranium, through local processing and downstream development. These efforts are aimed at promoting industrialisation, job creation, and stronger integration into global value chains.
China reaffirmed its support for Namibia’s economic and social development, including the implementation of the Sixth National Development Plan and Vision 2030. Namibia, in turn, welcomed China’s economic initiatives, including zero-tariff measures, and encouraged increased investment by Chinese companies.
Both countries also committed to enhancing cultural and youth exchanges, particularly through the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, as part of efforts to strengthen people-to-people ties.
Photo: Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation-Namibia
