Malaysian Connection By Petronella Sibeene WINDHOEK Namibia and Malaysia should increase the levels of cooperation under the Agreement on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation signed in 1992, says President Hifikepunye Pohamba. During official talks with the Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’Seri Abdullah Badawi, Pohamba said it was imperative that the two countries give full effect to the agreements already signed. The President underlined the need for strategic partnerships in the two countries’ bilateral cooperation with the emphasis on enhanced economic and trade relations. He added that Namibia has interest in investments in the areas of research and development, agriculture, capacity building, trade, mining and information communication technologies. “Namibia is eager to learn from Malaysia’s vast experience in industrial development and support for small and medium enterprises,” said the President. Such efforts, Pohamba added, will complement the Government’s efforts in creating jobs, expanding value addition and fostering economic growth. While bilateral relations between Namibia and Malaysia cover a wide range of sectors, Namibia’s main focus is in areas such as agriculture, education, health, trade, investment and tourism, Pohamba emphasised. “We should place stronger emphasis on the need to address the socio-economic challenges facing our people today,” he said. The president also stated that the Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion signed in 2002 should act as a catalyst for increased trade and investments by the private sector. He registered profound appreciation and gratitude for the ongoing aid rendered to Namibia by the people of Malaysia in different spheres. Pohamba reiterated his Government’s commitment to further consolidate the longstanding bilateral relations and strong bonds of friendship between Namibia and Malaysia. He added that the official talks gave them another opportunity to strengthen the bilateral ties on issues of mutual concern in the context of South-South cooperation and the advancement of the smart partnership philosophy. Prime Minister Badawi echoed Pohamba’s sentiments, saying that his country is determined to explore new avenues on how to further consolidate the existing bilateral relations and bonds of friendship between the two nations. He similarly highlighted trade, infrastructure development such as road construction and housing, and tourism as areas that could be explored as far as deepening and broadening cooperation is concerned between the two nations. The Malaysian Prime Minister strongly called for the involvement of the private sector in such ventures hence the accompaniment of a contingent of Malaysian business people representing various sectors. He expressed satisfaction with the relations, adding that he was in the country to seek ways on how the ties between Namibia and Malaysia could be improved. Present during the talks were Namibia’s Director General of the National Planning Commission Helmuth Angula, Trade and Industry Minister Immanuel Ngatjizeko, Education Minister Nangolo Mbumba, Mines and Energy Minister Erkki Nghimtina and Foreign Affairs Minister Marco Hausiku. Badawi arrived in the country on Thursday night at Hosea Kutako International airport. He was welcomed by President Pohamba, Prime Minister Nahas Angula, top government officials and members of the diplomatic corps.