Niël Terblanché
In a gesture of solidarity and support, the China International Development Cooperation Agency has announced a significant food aid donation of N$25.9 million to Namibia.
The announcement by the Chinese development agency came during a courtesy call to President Hage Geingob at State House last week.
Tang Wenhong, the vice-chairperson of the China International Development Cooperation Agency, explained that this generous contribution was a direct result of food aid measures outlined by Chinese President Xi Jinping during the China-Africa leaders’ dialogue.
The primary objective of this donation is to alleviate Namibia’s food supply challenges.
This benevolent gesture from the People’s Republic of China arrives at a critical juncture when the Namibian Prime Minister, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, unveiled a government initiative allocating N$892.4 million towards a comprehensive food relief program, agricultural support, and water provision.
The overarching goal is to avert any loss of life due to an impending drought. Currently, an alarming 26% of Namibia’s population, or approximately 695,000 people, face the threat of food insecurity.
Tang Wenhong emphasized that the delegation from the International Development and Cooperation Agency had visited Namibia to execute the vital agreements reached between President Geingob and President Xi Jinping during their prior meeting.
This commitment is aimed at bolstering the mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Namibia.
He expressed China’s deep appreciation for Namibia’s steadfast support on critical international matters and highlighted China’s readiness to collaborate closely with the Namibian government, led by President Geingob, on issues of shared interest and concern.
The objective is to further deepen bilateral relations and strengthen the strategic partnership, resulting in tangible benefits for both nations.
Wenhong highlighted the remarkable progress achieved in various sectors of development cooperation, including infrastructure, social welfare, health, culture, and education.
These collaborative efforts have significantly improved the lives of citizens in both countries.
To implement President Xi Jinping’s food aid measures outlined during the China-Africa leaders’ dialogue, China has pledged food aid to Namibia, with the goal of easing food supply pressures.
Tang Wenhong has also engaged in discussions with Namibia’s Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of International Relations, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and will hold further meetings with the National Planning Commission and other relevant ministries to ensure the effective implementation of decisions made during the China-Africa leadership dialogue.
