Staff Reporter
NAMIBIA and Botswana are good neighbours, as such, it is vital for the two countries to engage in regular dialogue aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of policies that they pursue to improve the living conditions of their respective peoples.
This was said by President Nangolo Mbumba at Swakopmund on the occasion of the official visit of Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi.
President Mbumba said that Masisi’s official visit provides another opportunity for interactions and for the two countries delegations to review the progress made in different areas of bilateral cooperation since his [Mbumba’s] introductory courtesy visit to Gaborone earlier this year, and more so, since the inauguration of the Bi-National Commission in Gaborone in 2022.
President Mbumba’s full speech follows:
Your Excellency and My Dear Brother, it is my pleasure to welcome you and your high-level delegation to these Official Talks. This visit is particularly poignant as it marks your first return to our country since the solemn memorial and funeral services of our late President Geingob.
As we gather here today, it is with a sense of gratitude and reverence that we recall the solidarity and support extended by the Government and the people of Botswana during Namibia’s recent period of mourning. The passing of our late beloved President Geingob – may his soul rest in eternal peace – was not only a loss to Namibia but also a moment that revealed the depth of our relations and the family that our two countries have become.
Your presence, along with His Honoour Slumber Tsogwane, Vice-President of the Republic of Botswana, and your impressive delegation of Ministers, reaffirms the enduring bonds of kinship that underscore the shared commitment to strengthening the excellent bilateral relations and shared values that bind our two countries together.
Your Excellency,
Namibia and Botswana share a longstanding history of cooperation, rooted in mutual respect and shared aspirations for regional development and prosperity. Today, we stand united in our commitment to strengthen the excellent bilateral relations that have defined our partnership over the years.
As good neighbours, it is vital for our countries to engage in regular dialogue aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of policies that we pursue to develop our countries and improve the living conditions of our people. Your current Official Visit provides another opportunity for such interactions and for our two delegations to review the progress made in different areas of bilateral cooperation since my Introductory Courtesy Visit to Gaborone earlier this year, and more so since the inauguration of our Bi-National Commission in 2022, in Gaborone.
More specifically, issues related to cooperation in the sectors of political, diplomatic and legal affairs, cross-border trade, infrastructure development, defence and security, and regional integration will enjoy our attention during the course of these talks.
Your Excellency,
Economic cooperation remains a cornerstone of our bilateral relations. Since the launch of National Identity Cards for cross-border travel, our efforts towards operationalising the One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) at the Trans-Kalahari/Mamuno Border have progressed significantly, which will contribute to maximizing the operational efficiency of the SADC Transport Development Corridors, thereby contributing to our regional development and economic integration efforts.
Furthermore, in the area of cross border trade we continue to make progress. Our government donated a piece of land at the Port of Walvis Bay, to Botswana to construct a Dry Port and make Botswana sea-linked. This was done not only as a gesture of goodwill, but to facilitate imports and exports of goods and services.
I am informed that Botswana intended to increase its volumes of imports and exports through the port of Walvis Bay. This would mean that we must jointly and speedily work together on expanding the transport infrastructure to accommodate increased trade volumes between our respective countries.
Our Ministers and Senior Officials must prioritize and include in our development plans, the upgrade and expansion of infrastructure to accommodate anticipated increased in trade volumes.
On the security front, Namibia and Botswana share a commitment to safeguarding our borders and promoting peaceful co-existence and good neighbourliness along the common border. Moreover, our cooperation in defense and security matters is crucial for addressing transnational threats such as terrorism, organized crime, and illicit trafficking. By enhancing our security cooperation, we can better protect our citizens and contribute to a safer and more stable Southern Africa.
Beyond economic and strategic ties, Namibia and Botswana share profound cultural and historical linkages that enrich our bilateral relations. The White House/Plot 7440 Project in Francistown exemplifies this, as it seeks to preserve its historical significance as a liberation museum. We look forward to your guidance on further strengthening our joint commitment to honouring our shared history and heritage.
On the regional and international front, our two countries continue to work together, consult and harmonise our positions on matters of mutual interest and concern.
As SADC Member States, we view peace, stability and regional integration as crucial components in the process of economic and social development of our countries, and should therefore be pursued with vigour and determination for the benefit of all our peoples.
As stalwarts of regional peace and stability, I wish to reaffirm unwavering our commitment to facilitating dialogue between all our neighbouring countries through the relevant SADC institutions, aimed at achieving amicable diplomatic resolutions to any matter that threatens the tranquillity of our region.
In conclusion, Your Excellency, your visit today reaffirms our shared commitment to deepening our bilateral partnership and exploring new avenues of cooperation. As we engage in fruitful discussions and exchange views on enhancing our strategic ties, I am confident that our deliberations will pave the way for even greater collaboration and mutual prosperity between Namibia and Botswana.
I once again extend my sincere appreciation to President Masisi and the Botswana delegation for honouring us with your visit. May our deliberations today further strengthen the enduring friendship and cooperation between our two great nations.
I thank you.
