Media Statement on the 7th SA / Namibia Heads of State Economic Bilateral Commission

Pretoria - South African President Thabo Mbeki and delegation today, 05 August 2008 completed the 7th SA/Namibia Heads of State Economic Bilateral Commission held at the New State House of the Republic of Namibia. 

President Mbeki delegation included amongst others, Ministers of Trade Industry, Science and Technology, Minerals and Energy, Health and the Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism including other senior government officials.

The Economic Bilateral took place within the context of South Africa's priority to consolidate bilateral political, economic and trade relations with Namibia with a view to advancing the African agenda.

President Mbeki and Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba had an opportunity to preside over the review of progress made with regards to the strategic projects between the two countries. 

Discussions included, amongst others:

Trade and Industry Issues– The commission considered the outcomes of the Namibian Investment conference held last year in October and future collaboration on the Spatial Development Initiates.

Furthermore on regional and multilateral trade relations, the meeting agreed to strengthen the role of Southern Africa Customs Union on broad matters of collaboration on regional economic integration.   

The commission also noted the collapse of the Doha round in the recent (WTO) negotiations on trade relations held in Geneva, and the study carried out by the European Union (EU) President regarding the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).       

Energy Issues- The commission noted the development with regards to the policy framework designed to provide regulation on the utilisation of the Orange River.  The two countries also reflected the need to strategically utilize

Environmental Issues -The commission noted the growing tourist attraction since the opening of the Mata-Mata and Sendelingsdrift Tourist Access Facilities Border posts.  Moreover, the commission endorsed the cooperation between South Africa and Namibia regarding the cross border tour operations. 

Science Technology Issues- The commission noted the development within the context of the agreed co-operation in line with the Square Kilometer Array (SKA) project and the importance of ensuring low radio frequency interference that might affect the telescope core site in the Northern Cape.  The two countries have also agreed to continue cooperation in capacity building in the areas of astronomy and astrophysics.   

While in Namibia, President Mbeki had an opportunity to join President Pohamba at the official unveiling of the Namibia Central Hospital - Cardiac Unit in Windhoek, a project that South African government played a significant role from the initial phase.

President Mbeki and delegation are expected to return to South Africa on Tuesday, 05 August 2008.

For comments please contact: Ronny Mamoepa on +2782 9904853 and for enquiries please contact Sam Matome Bopape on +2782 318 5251

Issued by:

The Presidency
05 August 2008