Niël Terblanché
The third Ministerial Session of the Namibia – South Africa, Bi-National Commission (BNC) is currently underway in Windhoek with both nations keen on fortifying their bilateral relationships.
Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Netumbu Nandi-Ndaitwah, opened the floor, emphasizing the robust bond the two nations share.
“Our bonds are beyond diplomacy. We’re family, comrades, and neighbours,” she stated.
She stressed the crucial role of the BNC, which serves as a platform for discussing a range of matters, from trade and investment to energy, health, and security. Additionally, the meeting aims to review the actions and decisions of previous sessions to ensure continued bilateral cooperation.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said that the external challenges that both nations grapple with include the global economic downturn, climate change ramifications, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Such challenges have hindered their aspirations to enhance the well-being of their citizens.
“These challenges only underscore the need for innovative strategies and collaborative efforts,” she added.
Both nations are prioritizing energy as a crucial aspect of their bilateral ties, emphasizing the role of NamPower and Eskom, the state-owned power utilities of Namibia and South Africa respectively.
Nandi-Ndaitwah also brought attention to the newly discovered oil reserves off the Namibian coast, hinting at potential future collaborations, and expressed gratitude towards South Africa for its unwavering support during times of crisis, like the recent droughts and the pandemic.
Moreover, the Orange River Boundary, an issue that has been ongoing since 1993, is expected to be comprehensively addressed during this session.
On South Africa’s end, Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza, spoke on behalf of Dr Naledi Pandor, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation.
Didiza expressed grave concern regarding the escalating crisis in Israel-Palestine and reemphasized their support for Western Sahara’s self-determination.
Both nations, as members of the African Union, also emphasized the need for continental integration and their commitment to fulfilling the aspirations of the AU Agenda 2063 and the UN Agenda 2030.
The current meeting acts as a precursor to the official BNC session, where high-level delegations from both sides will participate.
The session is expected to revolve around shared objectives and mutual benefits, taking into consideration the recommendations made by senior officials in their meetings earlier this year.
Nandi-Ndaitwah urged the participating ministers to concentrate on discussions that are “focused, action-oriented with measurable goals,” reflecting the dedication both nations possess towards elevating their shared interests and mutual cooperation.
The collaboration between Namibia and South Africa showcases a beacon of partnership in the African continent, with both countries working hand-in-hand to tackle regional challenges and foster economic growth.
