Joint Communiqué on the occasion of the Second Session of the South Africa-Namibia Bi-National Commission (BNC).
1. At the invitation of the President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency, Mr. Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma, the President of the Republic of Namibia, His Excellency, Dr. Hage G. Geingob visited South Africa from 06 - 07 October 2016.
2. Both Heads of State were accompanied by delegations of Ministers and Senior Government Officials. The meeting of the two Heads of State was preceded by a Ministerial Meeting which took place on 6 October 2016 and a Senior Official’s Meeting which was held from 4-5 October 2016.
3. During the official talks, the two Heads of State reviewed a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues. They expressed satisfaction at the strong bilateral relations existing between the two countries which are informed by historical, political, economic, social and cultural ties.
4. The two leaders noted with appreciation the expansive nature of the bilateral cooperation which includes, amongst others; trade and investment, energy, agriculture, tourism, infrastructure development, mining, defence and security, immigration, environment, transport and communications.
5. During the official talks, the two Heads of State noted that the Memorandum of Understanding on Higher Education has been finalised. They directed the Ministers of Higher Education to sign this MoU at their earliest convenience. The Heads of State also welcomed signing of the Terms of Reference of the Joint Committee of Experts on the Orange River Boundary.
6. The two Presidents directed the various Committees under the Bi-National Commission to meet regularly and expedite the implementation of strategic projects aimed at sustainable development and the well-being of the people of the two countries.
7. The two Heads of State also exchanged views on the political and security developments as well as the consideration of democracy in the region. In this regard, they reaffirmed their commitment to working together in pursuit of sustainable peace and stability in the region.
8. Both Presidents congratulated the people of the United Republic of Tanzania, the Republic of Seychelles and the Republic of Zambia for conducting peaceful elections.
9. Furthermore, they expressed their concern on the continuing peace and security challenges in the Continent, particularly the emergence of extremism and terrorism and highlighted the need for coordinated and collaborative Continental efforts to deal with these challenges.
10. They also expressed their deep commitment to African unity and implementation of Agenda 2063 and its Action Plan.
11. Regarding international matters, the two Heads of State reaffirmed their commitment to the United Nations Agenda 2030 and reiterated their common view on the need to reform the United Nations Security Council and other multilateral institutions, including the Bretton Woods institutions to better represent the interests of the developing countries. In this context, the two Heads of State further agreed to coordinate positions at multilateral fora.
12. The two Presidents reaffirmed their solidarity with the people of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic, the people of Palestine, the Leadership of the Polisario Front and the PLO respectively.
13. His Excellency, President Hage G. Geingob expressed his appreciation for the invitation extended to him by the Government and the People of the Republic of South Africa and for the warm welcome and hospitality accorded to him and his delegation.
14 His Excellency, President Hage G. Geingob extended an invitation to His Excellency, President Jacob Zuma to visit Namibia for the Third Session of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) during 2017 on a date to be mutually determined through diplomatic channels.
Done at Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
07 October 2016
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
0084
|
