China supports anti-poaching battle
In what can be described as a somewhat ironic twist by its detractors, the Chinese government has thrown its weight behind anti-poaching efforts in Namibia.
In a bid to combat poaching, in which some its citizens have ironically been implicated, the Chinese government has donated 30 4x4 pickup trucks and camping equipment to Namibia's environment ministry
The donation was confirmed by National Assembly speaker Peter Katjavivi on Monday.
The media conference also announced the arrival of the chairman of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China, Li Zhanshu, and his delegation, which jetted in yesterday on a three-day visit.
Asked whether the donation was premised on assertions that some Chinese nationals are perpetuating poaching and other illicit activities in Namibia, Katjavivi said:
“Your guess is as good as mine.”
He added irrespective of what the reasons for the donation was, it was “done in good faith”.
In one of many incidents in 2016, a Chinese national was arrested in South Africa with 18 rhino horns valued at N$6.6 million, which were suspected to have been smuggled from Namibia.
“The good news is that the Chinese government responded positively to deal with poaching. There is a good will to combat poaching,” Katjavivi said.
Li's delegation is accompanied by a team of specialist eye doctors from China, who will be treating cataract patients in Windhoek and Oshakati, while eye treatment equipment will also be donated to the Windhoek Central Hospital.
The visit comes just two months after President Hage Geingob led a delegation to China.
“Bilateral relations between China and Namibia have been greatly elevated since the visit of the Namibian head of state,” Katjavivi said.
“We are glad to note that this bond of friendship has grown from strength to strength.”
The visit is Li's first to Africa and included stops in Ethiopia and Mozambique before travelling to Namibia.
During the visit, Katjavivi and his counterpart will discuss issues of mutual interest, including staff exchange and the signing of memoranda of understanding between the Namibian parliament and China's National People's Congress.
“We want to learn from each other. This includes value-addition [as] we have infant industries. We do not want to become a dumping ground of products from other countries,” Katjavivi said.
Li will also pay a courtesy visit to both Geingob and Founding President, Sam Nujoma.
The National Assembly will be hosting a dinner at the parliament restaurant for the Chinese delegation this evening.
-Additional reporting by own reporter
NAMPA
The donation was confirmed by National Assembly speaker Peter Katjavivi on Monday.
The media conference also announced the arrival of the chairman of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China, Li Zhanshu, and his delegation, which jetted in yesterday on a three-day visit.
Asked whether the donation was premised on assertions that some Chinese nationals are perpetuating poaching and other illicit activities in Namibia, Katjavivi said:
“Your guess is as good as mine.”
He added irrespective of what the reasons for the donation was, it was “done in good faith”.
In one of many incidents in 2016, a Chinese national was arrested in South Africa with 18 rhino horns valued at N$6.6 million, which were suspected to have been smuggled from Namibia.
“The good news is that the Chinese government responded positively to deal with poaching. There is a good will to combat poaching,” Katjavivi said.
Li's delegation is accompanied by a team of specialist eye doctors from China, who will be treating cataract patients in Windhoek and Oshakati, while eye treatment equipment will also be donated to the Windhoek Central Hospital.
The visit comes just two months after President Hage Geingob led a delegation to China.
“Bilateral relations between China and Namibia have been greatly elevated since the visit of the Namibian head of state,” Katjavivi said.
“We are glad to note that this bond of friendship has grown from strength to strength.”
The visit is Li's first to Africa and included stops in Ethiopia and Mozambique before travelling to Namibia.
During the visit, Katjavivi and his counterpart will discuss issues of mutual interest, including staff exchange and the signing of memoranda of understanding between the Namibian parliament and China's National People's Congress.
“We want to learn from each other. This includes value-addition [as] we have infant industries. We do not want to become a dumping ground of products from other countries,” Katjavivi said.
Li will also pay a courtesy visit to both Geingob and Founding President, Sam Nujoma.
The National Assembly will be hosting a dinner at the parliament restaurant for the Chinese delegation this evening.
-Additional reporting by own reporter
NAMPA
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