SA, Namibia committed to strengthening cooperation

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Pretoria – International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane says the Bi-National Commission (BNC) between South Africa and Namibia creates a platform for the two countries to strive for more consistent interaction in key economic sectors, as well as adopt a strategic approach to all cooperation.

She was speaking at the inaugural session of the Ministerial BNC between SA and Namibia, which she co-chaired with her counterpart Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah ahead of the state visit by President Jacob Zuma.

“We live in a rapidly changing world where formerly secure economies are floundering, where even our very climate is under threat.

“The best way to deal with this is by ensuring that the many agreements and memoranda of understanding between our two countries are implemented, followed up and above all delivering,” said the minister.

She noted that cooperation in the fields of science and technology, environment, trade and industry, energy and education was key to the future of the two countries.

At regional level, Nkoana-Mashabane said the two countries remained committed to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) regional integration, and were working together to promote peace and stability in the region and the continent.

President Zuma arrived in Windhoek last night for a state visit aimed at strengthening political and economic relations.

Zuma, who is leading a high level delegation, will hold private talks with his counterpart Hifikepunye Pohamba.

The highlight of the visit will be the inauguration of the BNC between the two nations, which will serve as an important mechanism for the strengthening and enhancement of cooperation.

South Africa is the destination of 66% of Namibia's exports and holds approximately 80% of investments in key sectors of Namibia's economy such as mining, retail, banking and insurance.
 
Namibia is also one of the eight leading tourist markets for South Africa in the SADC region, with more than 200 000 tourists visiting each year. The highest proportion of SADC tourists to South Africa on business in 2012 came from Namibia (25.9%).

President Zuma is accompanied by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Rob Davies; Minister of Science and Technology, Derek Hanekom; Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa; Minister of Defence, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and Minister of Police,Nathi Mthethwa. – SAnews.gov.za