Staff Writer
Namibia and Zambia will sign a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in facilitating private sector development and implementation of an oil products and natural gas pipeline project, known as NAZOP from Walvis Bay to Zambia.
Minister of International Relations Netumbo Nandi- Ndaitwah revealed this today at the Political and Diplomatic Consultations for the 10th Session of the Namibia-Zambia Joint Commission of Cooperation.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said the construction of NAZO from Zambia to Walvis Bay will benefit both nations of Namibia and Zambia by creating value chains and employment creation.
Namibia is the host of the 10th Session of the Namibia-Zambia Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation in Swakopmund, from 5-6 October 2022.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, is co-chairing the 10th Joint Commission with Stanley Kakubo, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Zambia.
The 10th Session is expected to review the implementation of bilateral agreements and memoranda of cooperation in a wide range of areas including trade and commerce, agriculture, fisheries, transport, education and training, youth, sport and culture among others.
During the session Nandi-Ndaitwah also noted that since the completion of the Trans-Caprivi Highway, Katima Mulilo-Sesheke Bridge on the Zambezi River and the Livingstone-Sesheke Road the two countries have noticed an increase in the number of visitors from both countries.
“I am proud to state that as a consequence of our Joint Commission mechanism, we have jointly recorded common achievements such as the completion of the Trans-Caprivi Highway, Katima Mulilo-Sesheke Bridge on the Zambezi River and the Livingstone-Sesheke Road, all of which have facilitated the export of goods through the port of Walvis Bay at faster speed, lower cost and greater efficiency. As a direct result of these milestones, we have witnessed an increased number of visitors from both countries,” she said.
Additionally, she added that the region is still reeling from the devastating effects of climate change and natural disasters and that Namibia values the exchange of information that aids in the management of floods along our shared borders.
“We are further cooperating within the framework of the Zambia-Namibia Joint Agricultural
Project to ensure sustainable food security between our two countries. This project was conceived with the idea to realise food security. I implore on our Senior Officials, in conjunction with the Private Sector, to realise the speedy implementation of this noble idea which holds great promise for our economies and people,” stated Nandi-Ndaitwah.
