By Surihe Gaomas WINDHOEK NAMIBIA and Russia reiterated their commitment to strengthen the existing bilateral relations after a high-powered delegation from the Russian Federation paid a courtesy call on President Hifikepunye Pohamba last Friday. Both countries stressed the need to consolidate their ties following Friday’s visit. President Pohamba expressed optimism over the long-standing relations between the two countries, where the former Soviet Union, now Russia, played a significant role in assisting Namibia during its liberation struggle. “We were supported morally, politically and materially to fight against the system of colonialism,” said Pohamba. The President described the visit as “friends meeting friends”, adding: “We greatly thank them for their continued support.” The visiting Russian Federation’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alexander Saltanov said his country was committed towards assisting Namibia in its quest for socio-economic development. The Russian leader said the two countries had to move onto new levels of bilateral relations. Earlier on Friday the visiting Russian Federation delegation also met the Minister of Foreign Affairs Marco Hausiku, where they discussed a wide range of international and regional issues.