Sakeus Iikela
The Chairperson of the National Council Hon. Lukas Sinimbo Muha has called on China to use its position as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council to advocate and support Africa’s bid to secure a permanent seat on the Council.
“The UN has assisted Africa in terms of getting independence and so on but we have always been looking for a permanent position on the UN Security Council. We are not demanding for many positions but we just want a single position,” he said.
He made these remarks during a courtesy visit by the new Chinese ambassador to Namibia H.E. Zhao Weiping to the National Council this week.
He added: “China and Russia were our friends. We cannot just talk to anyone, but our friends … to see how they can use their membership to influence global politics in order for Africa to be given a permanent seat on the Security Council”.
During the meeting, the two discussed various issues centered on enhancing bilateral relations between Namibia and China up to the level of Parliament.
Hon. Muha emphasised the need for the two countries to continue strengthening bilateral engagements and people to people exchanges.
“We are looking forward to these exchange visits to be realised as well by our parliament. We want to see if we can learn from the Parliament of China and vice versa. Parliament to parliament exchange visits is something very crucial, especially in the contemporary world where no country can operate in isolation,” he said.
The Chairperson extended his gratitude to the People’s Republic of China and its people for the support the country offered Namibia during the liberation struggle and continuous support after the attaining of our independence.
On his part, H.E. Weiping reiterated China’s commitment to support Namibia in her quest for socio-economic development at all levels.
The ambassador said “there is no problem for China to see Africa represented as the permanent member of the Security Council”.
“There is no reason for China to not want the representation of Africa on the SC,” he said.