President Hage Geingob says the death of China's former President, Jiang Zemin, is a loss not only to the people of China and the Communist Party, but also to Namibia.

Jiang died on Wednesday, aged 96.

President Geingob, in a statement, said that Namibia-China relations were established under Jiang's leadership shortly after independence.

Jiang visited Namibia in 1996 as President to strengthen mutual cooperation and development between the two countries.

Dr. Geingob also recalled his personal encounter with the late Chinese leader, saying he was encouraged by Jiang's commitment and indelible contributions at the dawn of Namibia's independence and to the country's socio-economic development.

The President extended condolences to the current President of China, Xi Jinping, the bereaved family, and the people of China.