WINDHOEK – The inaugural session of the Bi-National Commission by President Hifikepunye Pohamba and South African President Jacob Zuma yesterday, is a consolidation of the work done by the founding presidents of Namibia and South Africa, Pohamba said yesterday.
Sam Nujoma and Nelson Mandela provided a solid foundation upon which the people of the two countries interact, therefore “it is our sacred duty to continue consolidating this strong foundation and transmit the spirit of ‘Ubuntu’ to our future generations,” said Pohamba. Bi-lateral cooperation between Namibia and South Africa had previously been conducted through the Annual Heads of State Economic Bilateral Meeting, as well as the Namibia and South Africa Joint Commission on Defence and Security. However, the bi-national commission, which came into being during Pohamba’s visit to South Africa last year, now replaces these cooperative instruments. “It is imperative for our two countries to intensify efforts towards fast-tracking our trade and economic cooperation, especially in the area of small and medium size enterprises. Namibia recognises the great potential that SMEs have in building the economy and as such our government has put in place mechanisms to assist these entrepreneurs. I would therefore like to call on both sides to form partnerships that will benefit our two countries and expand the industrial base of our respective economies,” said Pohamba.
Zuma told a packed conference room at State House that he looks forward to increased cooperation with Namibia. “Trade levels between our two countries remain high, but we can and we must push trade volumes even higher. These Bi-National Commission deliberations should also boost cooperation and intra-Africa trade to assist in the ease of movement of both people and goods,” noted Zuma.
By Edgar Brandt