Events

MINSK, 24 October (BelTA) – Vladimir Makei, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus, and Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of Namibia, discussed the development of the relations between Belarus and Namibia in Minsk on 24 October, BelTA has learned.

Vladimir Makei stressed the importance of the meeting in Minsk that will give a new impetus to the relations between Belarus and Namibia in all fields. “We are absolutely open for dialogue,” he emphasized.

Vladimir Makei and Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah discussed in detail the current state and development prospects of the bilateral relations in politics, trade, economy, and humanitarian affairs and exchanged opinions on the most pressing issues on the international agenda. “We have very similar viewpoints, I should say,” the Belarusian minister noted.

He emphasized Belarus’ eagerness to develop fruitful cooperation with Namibia. “We have considered major promising cooperation avenues. We think that there are no issues between our countries. We want to be friends and reliable partners, and we have come to a conclusion that the current situation is favorable for the development and implementation of mutually beneficial projects in a number of areas, such as mining industry, manufacture of agricultural vehicles and equipment, agriculture, education, science and new technologies,” the minister said.

He noted that a Belarusian delegation may visit Namibia in the near future to take part in an investment forum in early November 2016.

For her part, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said that her visit to Belarus has been very fruitful. “Belarus has hosted a high-level Namibian delegation for the first time. I assure you that this is only the beginning of our fruitful cooperation,” she emphasized.

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah believes that despite the geographical distance, Belarus and Namibia have a lot in common. For instance, Namibia places high importance on the development of industry and agriculture. The political cooperation between the two countries is gaining momentum, first of all, in international organizations.

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said Namibia seeks to strengthen its trade and economic cooperation with Belarus, including in high technology, innovations and agriculture. She put a special emphasis on the last area and stressed the importance of food security. “In this regard, Namibia hopes for assistance from Belarusian colleagues with improving the status of its agriculture,” she noted.

During the meeting, the parties confirmed their intent to identify the key areas of bilateral cooperation. “We have agreed that 2017 should become a turning point in terms of the development of the trade and economic cooperation between Belarus and Namibia. During the talks, we have developed a kind of a strategy for bilateral interaction. We hope to sign more bilateral agreements and contracts in 2017,” Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said.

The foreign ministries of the two countries signed a memorandum of cooperation on political consultations. This is a kind of fundamental document laying the basis for further active dialogue between the parties.

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah invited Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei to visit Namibia.