Chinese ambassador to Namibia, Zhao Weiping, paid a courtesy visit to the Oshikoto Region on Tuesday to create cooperation between the region and his host nation.

Speaking at the Okashana Crop Research Station at Omuthiya, Weiping said the purpose of the visit is to promote friendship between his embassy and the Oshikoto Region and to further promote the existing working relationship between the two.

“We understand that Namibia is facing some challenges in the rural area, and you have been working hard on those challenges and as your friend, China has always been ready to support Namibia in socio-economic development, wherever it can,” said Weiping.

The ambassador reported that the embassy has been working with some of the government ministries regarding the role the Chinese government can play in providing some of the facilitation.

“We keep in mind what you need in this region, we keep in mind on what you need and seize any opportunities for possible cooperation so they can bring benefit to the region,” he added.

Oshikoto Governor, Penda Ya Ndakolo, on his part mentioned some of the challenges in the region, as well as possible solutions.

“There are no proper roads; schools are few; we have water scarcity even though we try our level best to supply water in the rural areas but they are not enough,” said Ndakolo.

The governor expressed appreciation to the Chinese embassy for constructing a hospital and a primary school, which they want to name after the ambassador.

“We appreciate what your government has been doing for us. You have built hospitals and schools for us, so we really appreciate you for this,” added Ya Ndakolo.

Source: NAMPA