Paheja Siririka
Angola’s external relations minster Téte António has highlighted the importance of the movement of people and goods between the common borders with Namibia and vouched to continue assessing the internal situation.
He said this at the second session of the Namibia-Angola diplomatic and political consultations which took place virtually in Tsumeb earlier this week.
The virtual event was attended by delegates from Namibia consisting of the line ministers who agreed to continue consultations on finding amicable solutions concerning the ongoing humanitarian situation of Angolan nationals arriving in Namibia due to drought among other things.
In a recent story covered by New Era, Angolan nationals have been flocking to the country since the beginning of the year hoping to be employed at the Etunda irrigation project in Omusati in exchange for food but due to limited and/or lack of working opportunities, they go for days without food.
The group of illegal immigrants encompassed expectant mothers and children who walked up to five days to cover over 100km before arriving in Namibia. Those who got sick or tired on the way were left behind while some children allegedly died.
During their deliberations, both sides focused on critical matters affecting bilateral cooperation between the two countries, mainly issues of common interest in the areas of socio-economic development, transport, energy, agriculture and water development, among others.
Minister of international relations and cooperation Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said the focus of the consultations was on some of the critical issues related to the development and continued bilateral cooperation between our two countries.
“We looked at the areas of socio-economic development such as transport, energy, agriculture and water development, among others. We agreed to ensure those regular consultations between ourselves and other sectorial ministries so that any new developments that may affect our bilateral cooperation are dealt with on time and effectively,” she stated.
“Nandi-Ndaitwah added that Namibia-Angola relations are sacrosanct and said it is important to remind themselves of the duty as leaders to ensure they deliver services to the people in the joint commitment towards development.
Namibia exports to Angola stood at N$420 million during 2020, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade, with the main contributors being electrical, electronic equipment, followed by machinery, nuclear reactors, boilers and live animals.