Niël Terblanché
The Heads of State of both Namibia and Botswana reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding borders and promoting peaceful co-existence.
President Nangolo Mbumba during official discussions between the leadership of the two nations said that enhanced cooperation in defence and security is seen as vital for addressing transnational threats such as terrorism and organized crime.
President Mbumba and President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana engaged in official talks at Swakopmund to bolster bilateral relations and cooperation on Thursday.
President Masisi returned to Namibia for an official state visit for the first time since the memorial services for President Hage Geingob, highlighting the depth of solidarity between the two nations.
Accompanied by a high-level delegation, President Masisi’s three-day official visit aims to enhance the longstanding cooperation between Namibia and Botswana.
Senior ministers and officials from both countries discussed a wide array of issues that are pivotal to the development and prosperity of the region.
Opening the official talks, President Mbumba expressed heartfelt gratitude for Botswana’s support during Namibia’s period of mourning for President Geingob.
“Your presence, along with Vice-President Slumber Tsogwane and your impressive delegation, reaffirms the enduring bonds of kinship that underscore our shared commitment to strengthening the excellent bilateral relations and shared values that bind our two countries together,” Mbumba said.
The discussions covered critical sectors such as political, diplomatic, and legal affairs, cross-border trade, infrastructure development, and regional integration.
A specific focus of the talks was the progress in operationalizing the One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) at the Mamuno Border, aimed at enhancing the SADC Transport Development Corridors’ efficiency.
Namibia’s donation of land at the Port of Walvis Bay to Botswana for the establishment of a dry port reiterated the commitment to facilitating imports and exports.
President Mbumba stressed the need for expanded transport infrastructure to accommodate increased trade volumes, stressing that this cooperation is crucial for regional economic integration.
On the security front, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding borders and promoting peaceful co-existence.
Enhanced cooperation in defence and security is seen as vital for addressing transnational threats such as terrorism and organized crime.
Beyond economic and strategic ties, the two countries share profound cultural and historical linkages.
President Mbumba said that projects like the White House/Plot 7440 Project in Francistown aim to preserve the shared heritage and history, reinforcing the deep cultural bonds.
The talks also served as a platform for discussing multilateral issues of mutual interest and concern. As SADC member states, Namibia and Botswana are committed to regional peace, stability, and integration, viewing these as essential for the economic and social development of the region.
President Mbumba concluded the talks with optimism about the future of relations between the two nations.
“Our discussions have further strengthened the ties between our countries. We have reviewed the progress made since our last meeting and discussed cooperation on a wide range of topics. These discussions provide a solid foundation for future collaboration, enhancing the economic prosperity of our countries and contributing to the region’s overall development,” he said at the conclusion of the official talks.
President Masisi indicated that the visit has not only deepened bilateral relations but also opened new avenues for collaboration, ensuring that the friendship between the two nations continues to flourish.
