Namibia and South Africa reaffirm commitment to address Orange River boundary

Swakopmund: Namibia and South Africa are considering the Report of the Joint Committee of Experts on the Orange River Boundary , focusing on enhancing bilateral cooperation . The Political , Diplomatic , and Legal Committee of the Bi - National Commission of the two countries is meeting in Swakopmund between Monday and Tuesday , marking a significant step towards resolving the long - standing border issue between the two nations . This committee meeting follows a direct mandate from Namibia and South Africa , issued after the third session of the Bi - National Commission held in Windhoek on 13 October 2023 . During this session , ministers were instructed to receive and review the expert report on the Orange River boundary , which has been awaiting consideration since its completion in 2017 . In his opening remarks , Namibia ' s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation , Dr Peya Mushelenga , emphasised the two countries ' shared commitment to working collaboratively on the Orange River boundary iss ue . ' Our presence here today reaffirms the commitment of both nations to resolve this issue for the benefit of current and future generations . It further underscores our common resolve to address issues of mutual concern and interest in accordance with the principles of good neighbourliness , transparency , and mutual trust that continue to underpin the excellent state of bilateral relations and cooperation between our sister countries ,' he said . South Africa ' s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation , Ronald Lamola , called for stronger economic ties and collaboration between South Africa and Namibia , emphasising the need to maximise opportunities across multiple sectors . ' The Orange River is more than a geographic feature ; it is a lifeline that sustains our people in this arid part of the world . Shared by the two countries , the river symbolises both the natural beauty and unity of the region ,' he said . The Joint Committee of Experts , established in 2016 , comprises five members e ach from Namibia and South Africa . The experts were tasked with making recommendations regarding the Orange River boundary , a critical geographic and political issue for both nations . Despite completing their report in 2017 , the document ' s formal review has been delayed. Source: The Namibia Press Agency