Africa-Press – Namibia. Namibia and Botswana are strengthening strategic cooperation in infrastructure and economic development, with the Trans-Kalahari Railway identified as a key outstanding project.
This follows a courtesy visit by Botswana high commissioner Phemelo Mbi Rankoro to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at State House on Thursday.
The meeting highlighted growing bilateral relations between the two neighbouring countries.
This includes the signing of multiple agreements and progress made through formal cooperation structures such as the Binational Commission.
“We have seen the relations and the cooperation between the two countries grow. I can pick the binational commission, the second binational commission that was hosted by Namibia last year,” he said.
He added that the commission had led to concrete agreements in key areas.
“We have seen both countries signing about eight agreements in different areas of cooperation. Prior to that, we have also seen other agreements being signed. I can single out the Chobe- Zambezi agreement, memorandum of cooperation and so forth,” Rankoro said.
The high commissioner identified infrastructure as one of the most important areas that still require focused attention, especially projects with regional impact.
“There’s the Trans-Kalahari railway project, which is a very important project for both countries and the region. I think he will carry it forward,” he said.
On the same day, Nandi- Ndaitwah said Namibia values Botswana as a strategic partner.
“We sincerely thank you for the work you have done and for strengthening our relationship,” the President said.
She said the recent binational commission had been particularly successful.
“Particularly, we were able to have a successful binational commission. Also, my campus visit was all successful,” she said.
The President noted that engagements held throughout the year were now beginning to show progress, especially in infrastructure development.
“I am seeing movement with particular reference to infrastructure development. This can only be achieved when we are good ambassadors. So, thank you very much for that,” she said.
DRC
The Botswana engagement was followed by a courtesy visit from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) ambassador to Namibia Christian Katoto.
“Your speech (in Parliament) to the nation was very strong. And I don’t know how you had enough time to combine all those duties on your head,” Katoto said.
“I really congratulate you for that, saying you must fight against Morocco. And I know that this is a strong message for all of us. At the level of the embassy, at the level of our speech, and also at the level of my president,” he said.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah used the meeting to restate her firm position on corruption, poverty and the exploitation of Africa’s natural resources.
“I strongly believe in the African continent. We have enough for everybody. We have no reason why an African person can continue to live in poverty,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah warned that competition over strategic resources continued to fuel conflict on the continent.
“It’s unfortunate that others are after our resources to be extended.
Wherever the strategic resource is found, we have prolonged the war – the classic example we still have seen. It’s very, very unfortunate,” she said, referring to ongoing conflicts in Africa.
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