President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to lead a delegation of ministers on a working visit to Namibia today.
While there, the President will co-chair the 3rd Session of the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Namibia Bi-National Commission (SA - Namibia BNC) with his Namibian counterpart, President Hage Geingob.
According to the Presidency, the BNC was inaugurated some 10 years ago at Windhoek with the second session of the BNC held in 2016.
“South Africa and Namibia share a common vision on issues of political and economic integration of the African continent. Both countries pursue Africa’s renewal, South-South cooperation, and the promotion of a rules-based, equitable international system of governance.
“The scope of cooperation between the two countries is expansive, anchored by 74 Memoranda of Understanding and Agreements. The geographical proximity of our countries and the sharing of common borders has over the years presented many opportunities for cooperation and thus benefitted the economies of the two countries,” the Presidency said in a statement.
The Presidency said this third session of the BNC has the following objectives:
- Evaluate progress on the implementation of commitments made during the 2nd session of the BNC;
- Consolidate the existing bilateral political, economic and social relations between the two countries and people;
- Promote cooperation in energy, particularly focusing on electricity and green hydrogen;
- Deepen existing cooperation and coordination at regional, continental and global levels to advance common positions.
“President Ramaphosa will lead a government delegation comprising of Ministers Naledi Pandor of International Relations and Cooperation; Thoko Didiza of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development; Blade Nzimande of Higher Education, Science and Innovation; and Ebrahim Patel of Trade, Industry and Competition.
“The delegation is also expected to include Ministers Lindiwe Zulu of Social Development; Gwede Mantashe of Mineral Resources and Energy; Barbara Creecy of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries; Senzo Mchunu of Water and Sanitation; Sandisiwe Chikunga of Transport; Patricia de Lille of Tourism; and Ministers in The Presidency, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and Khumbudzo Ntshavheni,” the statement read.
Committees that make up the BNC include the Diplomatic, Economic, Social and Defence and Security committees. – SAnews.gov.za
