President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said Namibia must maximise economic benefits from its natural resources, particularly uranium, through value-addition rather than raw material exports.

She said this during a high-level meeting with Russian deputy prime minister Yury Trutnev on Tuesday.

Taking the media through intricate details of the closed-door meeting, presidential spokesperson Alfredo Hengari said the two leaders focused on economic cooperation, energy security and education, reinforcing the need for deeper collaboration between the two countries.

“President Nandi-Ndaitwah explained that Namibia is currently focused on natural resources’ monetisation. That being, cooperation with the Russian Federation in that area would be welcome because it’s not good economic policy for Namibia to export its raw materials, including uranium,” he stated.

Nandi-Ndaitwah received Trutnev, the Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District, in a courtesy visit to strengthen bilateral ties.

The President stressed the need for deeper cooperation with Russia in the energy sector. 

Namibia, which is rich in uranium, aims to enhance its capacity in nuclear energy, an area in which Russia is a global leader.

Hengari continued: “The deputy prime minister of the Russian Federation agreed already with our President about the need for Namibia to develop on the basis of its natural resources”.

He added that the President highlighted poverty alleviation and economic planning as pressing national challenges.

Education was also a focal point of the discussions.

 Both leaders acknowledged the growing number of Namibian students pursuing studies in Russia. Hengari said they explored ways to expand training opportunities, particularly in key sectors which support Namibia’s economic development.

Reflecting on the long-standing historical ties between the two nations, President Nandi-Ndaitwah acknowledged Russia’s support for Namibia’s liberation struggle.

She highlighted the need to build on that foundation through strengthened economic and political relations.

“You have been here many times – just as I have visited Moscow frequently,” Nandi-Ndaitwah told Trutnev. 

“Despite the difficult times we have faced in the past year, with the loss of our sitting president and our founding president, Namibia remains united and committed to advancing our bilateral relations,” she added.

Trutnev, speaking through a translator, congratulated Nandi-Ndaitwah on her ascendance to the highest office in the land.

He reaffirmed Russia’s dedication to deepening ties with Namibia. 

Trutnev expressed regret for missing Nandi-Ndaitwah’s inauguration, but noted that he was equally fulfilling other official duties at the time.

“Our trade and economic ties have doubled, but there is still much room for further development,” he observed.

He added that “given Namibia’s positive stance towards Russia, I am confident that the friendship between our countries will continue to flourish”.

-ljason@nepc.com.na