BEIJING, June 4 (Xinhua) -- China vowed on Saturday to develop closer bonds with the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and support the organization's efforts in solving regional issues and boosting Africa's integration.

Chinese top legislator Wu Bangguo made the remarks while meeting with SADC rotating Chairperson Hifikepunye Pohamba, also president of Namibia.

Wu, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, China's top legislative body, extended appreciation to Pohamba for the hospitality of the Namibian government and parliament during his visit to the country in May.

He said he felt Namibian people's deep affection to their Chinese friends during his stay there, and felt the two countries share the same goal of deepening traditional friendship and substantial cooperation.

Wu spoke highly of the achievements of Africa in recent years, citing rapid economic growth, increasing influence in global affairs and stable security situation.

China-Africa relations are precious wealth for both sides, he said, urging joint efforts to continuously boost bilateral new strategic partnership.

Wu spoke highly of the important role of SADC in maintaining peace and stability of southern Africa, promoting regional integration and solving regional issues independently.

He told Pohamba, who is on his first China visit as SADC chairperson, that China is willing to take the opportunity of his visit to further cement friendly cooperation with the 15-member SADC.

Pohamba, who served as SADC chairman from August of 2010, spoke highly of Wu's successful visit to Namibia as well as his important speech at the first Africa-China Young Leaders Forum.

Calling China a great country, he said southern African countries including Namibia attach great importance to ties with China, and believed their win-win cooperation with China would help their own development.

His current visit aims to further lift friendly cooperation with China up to a higher stage, he added.

Pohamba arrived in Beijing on Friday for a three-day trip. He launched a China-SADC business forum together with Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan earlier on Saturday. Chinese President Hu Jintao is scheduled to meet with him on Sunday.

The SADC is an inter-governmental organization with the goal of furthering socioeconomic cooperation and integration among 15 southern African states.