Namibia, Botswana enhance bilateral relations

Namibia and Botswana have enhanced and solidified bilateral relations and economic cooperation, in addition to exchanging views on regional, continental, and global issues of mutual interest and concern. During official talks led by Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba and Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi, the two countries resolved on Thursday in Swakopmund to, among other things, inaugurate and commission the One-Stop Border Post at the Trans-Kalahari/Mamuno Border Post in the Omaheke Region at a mutually agreed-upon time. On economic cooperation, the two Heads of State, while noting with satisfaction the level of trade between the two countries, acknowledged that more needs to be done to increase the volume of trade by, among other things, enhancing cross-border and regional value chains to minimise the export of raw materials and minerals from the two countries. 'We have committed ourselves to the implementation of outstanding matters from the Inaugural Session of the Botswana-Namibia Bi-National Comm ission (BNC). These initiatives will not only enhance the economic prosperity of our countries but also contribute to the overall development of our region,' Mbumba noted. The Heads of State also noted progress in implementing the collaborative framework between Botswana and Namibia to reduce roaming charges. They further noted that the framework is critical in supporting the establishment of a single digital market as outlined in the cost-based roaming initiative adopted by the SADC Ministers responsible for Information, Communication and Technology in June 2023. Accordingly, they urged the mobile network operators in both countries to implement the decision to reduce roaming charges without further delays. Mbumba and Masisi also exchanged views on the prevailing international peace and security situation, including the evolution of the security and humanitarian situations in Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo. 'What we have accomplished together today is a clear demonstration of the potentia l when two sister countries, acting as friends and partners, combine their efforts and resources to pursue shared objectives for socio-economic development and prosperity,' Masisi said. Source: The Namibia Press Agency