Chinese president Xi Jinping told president Hage Geingob that he is very concerned about the current situation in Africa regarding Covid-19.

The two leaders spoke via phone on Friday.

Covid-19 that has since across the world started in China’s Wuhan late last year. The epidemic has, however, slowed down in China where it infected 81 639 and killed 3 326. By late Saturday, 1 188m had contracted the virus while 65 000 had died.

Xi Jinping said the outbreak of Covid-19 was a major test of the governing ability of governments and that the Chinese government always put people’s lives and health in the first place.

According to Jinping, the Chinese people have made tremendous efforts and sacrifices, which provided confidence, time and experience for the prevention and control of epidemics in other countries.

Xi Jinping said African countries gave China valuable support when his country was fighting to control the epidemic.

“China will continue to increase efforts to provide anti-epidemic assistance to Namibian and other African countries, share experience in epidemic prevention and control, strengthen cooperation in the field of health, and work together to achieve the ultimate victory in the epidemic.

“We believe that by jointly fighting the epidemic, China’s friendship with Namibia and African countries will further deepen. China is willing to work with Namibia to take the opportunity of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries to continue to understand and support each other, strengthen pragmatic cooperation, and push China-Namibia and China-Africa relations to a new level,” he said.

Geingob said President Xi Jinping led the Chinese people to effectively combat the Covid-19, demonstrating outstanding leadership.

According to Geingob, what the Chinese government did was highly appreciated by countries around the world including African countries.

“With the care and attention of the Chinese government, over 500 Namibian students in China are safe and sound.
As the best friend of Namibia and Africa, China timely provides assistance and support to African countries in fighting the epidemic. I am grateful for this,” Geingob said.

He added that Namibia-China relations are close and friendly, and the bilateral cooperation continues to expand.

Geingob further said that Namibia hopes to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China in various fields such as government and inter-party exchanges, learn from China’s successful experience in poverty alleviation, and continue to advance Namibia China Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.