BEIJING, June 5 (Xinhua) -- President Hu Jintao on Sunday met with Chairman of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Hifikepunye Pohamba on developing stronger ties.

Hu welcomed Pohamba, also president of Namibia, saying he is an old friend of the Chinese people and has made contributions to China-Namibia ties.

Hu lauded SADC's commitment to boosting solidarity and cooperation among member countries and its leading role in safeguarding peace and stability of southern Africa, promoting regional prosperity and tackling regional issues.

SADC is an inter-governmental organization with the goal to further socioeconomic cooperation and integration as well as political and security cooperation among 15 southern African states.

Pohamba took over from the Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila Kabange in August 2010 as Chairperson of the 15-member SADC.

Pohamba appreciated China's support on helping SADC states conclude colonial rule, seek economic growth and eradicate poverty.

Looking to the future, Hu said China would like to step up dialogue and consultations with SADC and establish a cooperation mechanism at an appropriate time.

China would make steady progress in advancing cooperation with SADC in energy, water conservancy, transportation and telecommunications, Hu said.

China would like to help SADC train more professional personnel and welcome SADC states to send people to participate in Chinese training programs, Hu said.

The Chinese president also pledged to support SADC's bigger role in regional and international issues and jointly tackle global challenges.

Pohamba said SADC would like to work more closely with China in trade, investment, infrastructure, telecommunications, energy, water conservation, fishery and agriculture as well as in international issues.

On China-Namibia ties, Hu said bilateral relations had maintained a sound growth since the two countries forged diplomatic ties in 1990, citing productive cooperation in politics, trade and economy, culture, education, health and international issues.

Hu said China appreciated Namibia's adherence to the one-China policy.

Hu proposed the two countries continue to help each other on issues concerning their core interests.

Hu called on the two countries to carry out the cooperative projects, foster new areas of cooperation, expand trade and economic cooperation and enhance people-to-people exchanges.

Pohamba reviewed the traditional friendship between the two countries, saying he appreciated China's support to Namibia regarding its independence war and economic and social development.

Namibia would like to work with China to advance a wide-range of cooperation in politics, trade and economy, infrastructure, science and technology, transportation, culture and sports.

Pohamba concluded his three-day China visit on Sunday.