Erasmus Shalihaxwe
Namibia is broadening its international relations by establishing diplomatic ties with seven new nations.
Last week, Minister of Information, Communication, and Technology Emma Theofelus announced Cabinet decisions made at the 15th Cabinet meeting of 2024.
‘’Cabinet directed the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation to develop friendly relations and promote economic and political cooperation between the Republic of Namibia and Belize, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Republic of Tajikistan, the Republic of San Marino, the Principality of Andorra, the Federal Democratic Republic of St. Kitts and Nevis, and the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal,’’ said Theofelus.
She said the cabinet has approved the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Namibia and these countries, in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter and the provisions of the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations.
She also announced that the Cabinet has approved the signing of a memorandum of understanding on cooperation on renewable energy and clean hydrogen between Namibia and the United States of America (USA).
Tom Alweendo, the minister of mines and energy, had the authority to sign the agreement.
Theofelus further announced that the Cabinet has also endorsed the outcome of the Vulnerability Assessment and Analysis Integrated Food Security Phase Classification acute food insecurity communication report for 2024/25, which highlights the status of food security, the crop prospects, and the food security and drought situation assessment report of 2024.
This demonstrates that the aggregate cereal production statistics for 2023/2024 recorded 64,600 metric tonnes, compared to 153,00 metric tonnes harvested in the 2022/2023 cropping season.
‘’This represents a significant decline of 58% in livestock body condition. The livestock body condition ranges between good to poor in most parts of the country and it is anticipated to deteriorate further by October 2024. On water availability, the country’s dam level stood at 53.5% as of 8 July, compared to 66.2% during the same period last year,’’ she said.
