Namibia, Angola determined to strengthen relations
In a bid to strengthen its relationship, the governments of Namibia and Angola have agreed to improve coordination and exchange reciprocal visits between the various line ministries to enable full implementation of agreements.
Both countries last week Friday reached an agreement at the Senior Officials Meeting of the 5th Session of the Joint Commission, which was being held in Windhoek.
During closing remarks by the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, Executive Director, Selma Ashipala- Musavyi Friday said that the Joint Commission has designed various responses to the developmental challenges that Namibia and Angola are witnessing.
“During this week, we have concentrated on some of the major issues affecting development in both Angola and Namibia. We have re-addressed issues of common interest in the areas and we have reached the point of no return in our resolve to reinvigorate our cooperation,” she said.
Furthermore, Ashipala- Musavyi said the two governments have agreed to multiply efforts to promote closer cooperation in the areas identified as crucial.
Later in the month, the draft Agreed Minutes of the just concluded Senior Officials meeting will be tabled before the countries ministers for consideration at the Minister’s meeting in Windhoek.
Meanwhile, long before Namibia got her independence, the country’s major ruling party had a unique relationship with Angola “South West African People’s Organisations (SWAPO). Following her independence, Namibian-Angolan relations continued to be governed by security matters.
In 2016, it was reported that Namibian total exports to Angola was US$99.6 million and Angolan exports to Namibia amounted to US$6.2 million.
