Namibian President to visit South Africa

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma will host Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba for a two-day state visit in Cape Town next week.

The state visit, on Tuesday and Wednesday, is aimed at further deepening political, economic and social relations and will be held within the context of consolidating the African Agenda.

According to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, South Africa and Namibia enjoy warm and cordial bilateral relations which are informed by historical and fraternal ties. As a consequence, there are deep and strong mutual bonds between the peoples of the two countries.

The two Presidents will hold discussions covering key priority areas such as trade and investment, energy, public works, defence and security, water and environment, transport, science and technology and agriculture.

The economies of South Africa and Namibia are interlinked and South Africa remains one of Namibia's major trading partners.

Namibia imports 80 percent of its consumables from South Africa. South African companies have a large presence in Namibia and are involved in various sectors such as housing, food and beverages, construction, hotels and leisure, banking, medical services.

During the visit, a number of agreements and Memoranda of Understanding are expected to be signed.

President Zuma will be supported by the Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation, Trade and Investment, Transport, Energy, Defence and Military Veterans, Public Works, Water and Environmental Affairs, Higher Education, Science and Technology and Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. -SAnews.gov.za