China and Namibia on Thursday pledged to work more closely to upgrade their relationship and strengthen cooperation in all fields, as they celebrate the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relationship.

Jia Qinglin(L,front),Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference(CPPCC),holds talks with Assert Kapere(R,front),Chairman of the National Council of Namibia in Windhoek, Namibia,March 25,2010.[Huang Jingwen/Xinhua]

The pledge came after talks between China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin and Chairman of the National Council of Namibia Assert Kapere in Windhoek on Thursday afternoon.

Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country's top advisory body, arrived in Windhoek Thursday for a four-day visit to the southwestern African nation.

The China-Namibia relationship has gained a good momentum of development since the two countries forged diplomatic ties in 1990, Jia told his host, highlighting frequent high-level exchanges, fruitful cooperation in politics, trade, culture, education and public health between the two sides.

Jia said the China-Namibia friendly and cooperative relationship is significant for China-Africa solidarity, South-South cooperation and world peace.

To consolidate bilateral relationship, Jia proposed more exchanges at different levels to build a solid political relationship.

On the economic front, Jia called on both countries to expand economic cooperation. He encouraged well-established Chinese companies to invest in Namibia and play a role in local development.

Jia also called for expanded people-to-people exchanges, more collaboration in education and public health, and interaction among media, women organizations and academic institutes between the two countries.

On international issues, Jia said China and Namibia should step up coordination and cooperation to safeguard the common interests of the developing countries.

With the joint task of promoting bilateral friendship, the CPPCC and the National Council of Namibia should expand cooperation and make efforts to advance the relationship, Jia said.

Jia also congratulated Namibia on the 20th anniversary of its full independence. In a written statement issued upon his arrival at the airport, Jia described Namibia as one of the youngest states in Africa, which obtained its full independence in 1990, and as a state full of vigor and vitality.

Kapere reviewed the ties between the two countries, saying China is a sincere friend of his country.

Kapere said Namibia is ready to work with China to bring bilateral relationship to a new high.

After the talks, Jia and Kapere witnessed the signing of a series of economic deals.

In the following days, Jia will attend a reception marking the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Namibia diplomatic relationship.

Namibia is the second leg of Jia's 10-day African tour, which has already taken him to Cameroon. He will visit South Africa next week.