Li Changchun, a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Political Bureau, met here Thursday with former Namibian President Sam Nujoma.

Li welcomed Nujoma to attend China's National Day Parade, saying Nujoma, as an old friend of the CPC, China and Chinese people and a pioneer of Sino-Namibian friendship, has witnessed the development of bilateral relations and the development of China.

"We are very happy to have you with us here to share with us the happiness of celebrating the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China," Li said.

Nujoma said he was very excited to be in Tian'anmen to celebrate the 60th founding anniversary of the PRC with the Chinese people.

"In the past 60 years, the CPC has led the people to realize independence and prosperity. I am a witness of this glorious history," he said.

Li spoke highly of the relations between China and Namibia, saying China is willing to expand fields of cooperation and push the friendship forward.

The former president, who served as president of Namibia from 1990 to 2005, has visited China for more than 15 times. He said China has been a friend with Namibia and developing counties. He is proud for the achievement that China has made and is also encouraged by that.

He said he believes that the future of China would be better and China will make more contribution to world peace and prosperity.

(Xinhua News Agency October 1, 2009)