Chinese army pledges support to modernise NDF
To provide a solid bedrock for the development of bilateral relations, Chinese Defence Attaché Colonel Li Shujun has pledged the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) support for the Namibia Defence Force (NDF) in its development and modernisation efforts.
Li made the remarks during PLA’s 97th founding anniversary celebrations at the embassy on Tuesday.
He cited historic achievements, mutual benefits and the strategic importance of the growing cooperation between the two nations. “The friendship between China and Namibia has withstood all tests of time and changes in the international landscape. PLA remains ready to offer its helping hand, during the development and modernisation of NDF,” he said.
Warm friendship
Li emphasised that the friendship is highly valued by the people of both countries. “The long-lasting and time-tested relationship between the PLA and NDF is a testimony to and a living example of [the comprehensive] China-Namibia strategic partnership.”
He further emphasised their determination, indicating that the PLA and NDF are determined to cooperate more closely as brothers in arms. The increasingly close military ties between the two nations have produced fruitful results in high-level visits, joint training, equipment and technology.
“We have been warmly touched time and time again, whenever support from our Namibian friends is needed. It has always been swift and robust,” he said.
Li highlighted that China’s active participation in peacekeeping operations worldwide, including escort missions, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance, has positioned it as the second biggest financial contributor to the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping budget, behind the United States.
“China is the largest troop contributor among permanent members of the UN Security Council. It has altogether contributed more than 50 000 troops to 25 peacemaking operations and sent over 150 vessels in escort missions for more than 7 000 foreign ships. 17 peacekeepers have sacrificed their lives for the noble cause of world peace,” he said.
Li made the remarks during PLA’s 97th founding anniversary celebrations at the embassy on Tuesday.
He cited historic achievements, mutual benefits and the strategic importance of the growing cooperation between the two nations. “The friendship between China and Namibia has withstood all tests of time and changes in the international landscape. PLA remains ready to offer its helping hand, during the development and modernisation of NDF,” he said.
Warm friendship
Li emphasised that the friendship is highly valued by the people of both countries. “The long-lasting and time-tested relationship between the PLA and NDF is a testimony to and a living example of [the comprehensive] China-Namibia strategic partnership.”
He further emphasised their determination, indicating that the PLA and NDF are determined to cooperate more closely as brothers in arms. The increasingly close military ties between the two nations have produced fruitful results in high-level visits, joint training, equipment and technology.
“We have been warmly touched time and time again, whenever support from our Namibian friends is needed. It has always been swift and robust,” he said.
Li highlighted that China’s active participation in peacekeeping operations worldwide, including escort missions, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance, has positioned it as the second biggest financial contributor to the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping budget, behind the United States.
“China is the largest troop contributor among permanent members of the UN Security Council. It has altogether contributed more than 50 000 troops to 25 peacemaking operations and sent over 150 vessels in escort missions for more than 7 000 foreign ships. 17 peacekeepers have sacrificed their lives for the noble cause of world peace,” he said.
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