Cape Town - South African and Namibian ministers have signed three agreements with one another, including one to set up a bi-national commission, following a meeting between President Jacob Zuma and his Namibian counterpart President Hifikepunye Pohamba.
Addressing the media following the signing by ministers of agreements, which also include memoranda of understanding to co-operate on infrastructure and meteorology, Zuma said Namibia and South Africa continued to enjoy close bilateral co-operation in various fields.
"In this regard, we have noted with great appreciation the noticeable progress that has been achieved in strengthening the political, economic and social co-operation between the two countries," he said.
The agreements signed between the two countries, include an agreement between the Minister of International Relations and Co-operation Maite Mashabane-Nkoane and her Namibian counterpart Utoni Nujoma to establish a bi-national commission between the two countries.
The commission will meet annually, alternating between Pretoria and Windhoek, and will consist of an economic, defence and security, social and diplomatic sub-commissions.
A memorandum of understanding on co-operation on infrastructure development and public works was also signed between Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi and the Namibian Minister of Works and Transport Erkki Nghimtina.
Nghimtina, on behalf of the Namibian Meteorological Services, also signed a memorandum of understanding on co-operation on meteorology with Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa, on behalf of the SA Weather Services.
The SA Weather Service has been providing Namibia with technical support and has helped train meteorology personnel.
Zuma and Pohamba this morning held discussions on trade, infrastructure, education, energy, tourism, science and technology and security issues.
The two also discussed political developments in the region, the continent and the world and agreed to consult on an ongoing basis on political issues.
Pohamba said he and Zuma also talked about the urgency to make the international bodies, such as the UN Security Council, World Bank and IMF more representative.
He added that he felt honoured that he had been given the opportunity to address South Africa's National Assembly this afternoon.
"This is a testimony to the strong bonds of friendship between our two countries and peoples," said Pohamba. - SAnews.gov.za
