05 Sep 2022

Despite challenges occasioned primarily by the COVID-19 pandemic, notable progress has been in some aspects of cooperation between Botswana and Namibia.

  This was said by Ministry of Foreign Affairs permanent secretary, Dr Gladys Mokhawa at the Botswana-Namibia Bi-National Commission (BNC) inaugural session in Gaborone yesterday.

  She said progress had been  made across a wide spectrum of areas including agriculture, defence and security, mining, energy, water, trade and investment as well as transport and logistics.

“Of particular note are the dry port facility at Walvis Bay and the proposed trans-Kalahari railway line, which hold immense potential for further deepening regional integration and unlocking the economic potential along the Trans-Kalahari Corridor,” said Dr Mokhawa.

The permanent secretary noted that to date, the two countries had concluded and signed 13 Memoranda of Understanding and agreements in various fields, including the International Boundary Treaty.

She said at least 10 bilateral instruments, which were also essential for the implementation of cooperation programmes, were still outstanding. Turning to the commission, Dr Mokhawa said it was only last year that the two countries’ heads of state decided  to elevate the level of their bilateral frameworks, the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation and the Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security to BNC, she said.

The BNC, she said, would continue the work of the previous frameworks to discuss issues of mutual interest under four thematic committees covering politics and diplomacy; economic, social and cultural  as well as defence and security.

“This milestone is indeed an indication of the consistent commitment shown by both countries over the years to ensure the continued dynamism and expansion of our bilateral relations, as demonstrated by frequent engagements at the highest levels,” she said.

Dr Mokhawa expressed confidence that the two countries would maintain the traditional practice of tackling issues in an amiable and cordial atmosphere.

 She said Botswana attached great importance to the excellent relations subsisting between it and Nambia.

 The two countries, Dr Mokhawa said, continued to enjoy strong bonds of friendship, solidarity and fruitful cooperation which predated the establishment of their diplomatic relations in 1990. “These are borne out of their close historical, political, economic, social and cultural ties, as well as their commitment to common values of democracy, good governance, the rule of law and respect for human rights,” she said.

Speaking at the same event, Namibia’s Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation executive director, Mr Penda Naanda applauded the decision to elevate the two countries cooperation mechanism from one co-chaired by ministers to a heads of state co-chaired one. He said the move signified the importance attached to cementing bilateral ties between the two countries.

“As a case in point, I am particularly drawn to highlight the trans - Kalahari railway line project and more recently our joint bid to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFRICON) in 2027. Indeed, such collaboration goes a long way in making meaningful benefits for our two people and countries,” he said.

Mr Naanda said as the recently elected SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation chair, Namibia was looking forward to Botswana’s support in the two countries’ joint efforts to promote and preserve stability and peaceful co-existence in Southern Africa. ends