Recently, Malaysia joined the efforts to support Namibia in addressing the drought crisis by committing N$710 400 to the nation’s response plan, stated Deputy Minister of International Relations Jenelly Matundu.
She noted that Namibia has intensified its drought relief initiatives, aiming to assist 340 000 households through food distribution, water supply, livestock assistance, and seed programs.
“Our resources are overstretched as we try to meet the growing needs. As such, we are very grateful to Malaysia for supporting our response efforts to address the crisis and build climate resilience,” said Matundu during Malysia’s 61st National Day.
She emphasised the importance of the pride Namibia holds in its established bilateral relations with Malaysia, and urged for sustained, practical, and collaborative efforts at all levels to ensure the continuation of the cooperation.
“Namibia will always be ready to advance our relations in the spirit of South-South cooperation, as birthed during the Langkawi International Dialogue, and many other important platforms that preceded it,” stated the lawmaker.
Namibia declared a state of emergency following the worst drought that the country is experiencing. The country experienced below-normal rainfall from October 2023 to April 2024, leading many people to experience high levels of acute food insecurity, leaving them in urgent need of assistance to address food shortages.
Acting high commissioner of Malaysia to Namibia Mohamad Rameez Yahaya said bilateral relations between Malaysia and Namibia had existed before 1990, and Malaysia had provided strong political support to Namibia during its struggle for independence.
“To further move and strengthen our diplomatic relations between both Malaysia and Namibia, I believe that both countries could endeavour to add more substance to the existing relationship. I also wish to inform you that we are always with Namibia, and when they approach us in the middle of this year to assist them with the serious drought issues, we will provide N$710 000 to assist in this endeavour,” he said.
Yahaya emphasised the importance of making Malaysia’s presence known by improving trade and investment opportunities in Namibia. “More can be done to increase the trade and investment volumes between Malaysia and Namibia. We are glad that few Malaysian companies like Petronas, Probase and Proton have started to seek opportunities in Namibia, and hope all these will be prevalent soon,” said the diplomat.
Yahaya noted that through the pillar of cooperation, the Malaysian Government introduced the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) to provide technical cooperation to Namibia.
“The MTCP emphasises the development of human resources through the provision of training in various areas that are essential for a country’s development such as agriculture, economy, finance, public management and administration, science, technology and ICT; health diplomacy, safety and security, including cyber security, cultural diplomacy, social development, environment – related to SDG2030, education, industrial and technical training,” he indicated.
-psiririka@nepc.com.na