Press Statement issued at the Conclusion of the Working Visit of President Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma to Namibia on 4 November 2010

President Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma accompanied by a delegation of 5 Ministers and 2 Deputy Ministers concluded a successful Working Visit to Namibia on 4 November 2010.

President Zuma’s Visit took place within the framework of South Africa-Namibia Heads of State Bilateral Meeting which he co-chaired with his counterpart President Hifikepunye Pohamba.

The two Heads of States used the occasion to review the state of economic cooperation between the two countries; and to lend renewed momentum to the consolidation and expansion of economic relations and trade. In this regard, the two Presidents agreed on a package of enhanced cooperation on issues related to the preservation of environment in particular; Marine and Coastal Management, Transport and Communication, Agriculture, Energy, Science and Technology, Trade and issues relating to our region’s intergration.

The two Presidents highlighted the importance of the Trans-Kalahari Rail Project in the development of infrastructure; and expressed the view that its completion will contribute to the intra-regional trade through the movement of goods, services and people.

Likewise, the Heads of State deemed cooperation in the development of Trans-Kunene Spatial Development Initiative within the trilateral framework of Angola-Namibia-South Africa (ANSA) as a major advance in their effort to facilitate cross-border trade.

The two Presidents welcomed the emerging consensus and coherence among SADC-EPA members with regards to the fresh round of talks on the EPA with Union (EU). They expressed the hope that these new talks will bring a satisfactory outcome.

As a way of giving meaning to the strategic nature of bilateral relations between the two countries, the two Heads of State agreed to broaden and reconfigure the High Level Interaction to a full-fledge Binational Commission (BNC) at Heads of State level meeting once a year; and covering a full spectrum of issues of mutual concern. In this regard, the respective Ministers responsible for International Relations will soon sign an agreement laying the legal framework for the BNC.

For further information, please contact DIRCO’s Chief Director for Public Diplomacy, Mr Saul Kgomotso Molobi, on 082 940 1647/ molobis@dirco.gov.za  or Chief Director of Communications in the Presidency, Ms Zanele Mngadi, at 082 330 1148.

Issued by the Department of international Relations and Cooperation
OR Tambo Building
Soutpansberg Road
RIETONDALE
Pretoria, RSA
0002

5 November 2010