By Kopano Dibakwane
President Cyril Ramaphosa hosted Namibian president, Dr Hage Geingob, at the Union Buildings during an official state visit. The purpose of the visit was reportedly to discuss, review and strengthen political, social and economic relations between South Africa and Namibia.
Ramaphosa said, during a briefing with the media, that official talks between the two leaders considered broad areas of cooperation and evaluated progress in the implementation of previous decisions and agreements.
” We have directed that an audit of our legal instruments be conducted prior to the convening of the South Africa-Namibia Bi-National Commision (BNC)in Windhoek later this year.
” In view of the length of time between sessions of our Bi-National Commision, we have discussed the need for an Inter-Session Review Mechanism of BNC decisions and commitments,” said Ramaphosa.
According to Ramaphosa, this work is important for the collective efforts to rebuild economies and improve the livelihoods of citizens in both countries following the devastation of the COCID-19 pandemic. He added that notable progress has been made in various sectors of cooperation, citing the signing of new agreements to further expand formal scope of cooperation.
” We will work together to leverage the the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area and the Tripartite Free Trade Area between the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Common Market for East and Southern Africa(COMESA) and the East African Community,” said Ramaphosa.
He said that both countries discussed political, economic and security issues in the region, including developments in Congo, Mozambique, Lesotho and Eswatini. He wished Namibia well in its role as chair of the SADC Organ and Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
” President Dr Geingob and I deliberated on the implementation of the AU’s Agenda 2063. We expressed concern at the current developments in Sudan, the ongoing occupation of Western Sahara, the continued denial of the aspirations of the Palestinian people and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine,” said Ramaphosa.
