Speaking at a reception marking the 5th session of the Botswana/ Namibia Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation (JPCC) in Gaborone on Tuesday, Mr Skelemani said the two countries have developed a number of cooperation instruments aimed at strengthening and consolidating the existing relations for the benefit of the people of the two countries.
Mr Skelemani said despite the current problems that Africa is facing, the two countries will continue to engage in collaborative efforts both at bilateral and international levels to promote democratic values and principles, the rule of law and respect for human rights. He added that they are the necessary ingredients and foundation for any meaningful development in any country.
He said the relations have also been strengthened by a number of high-level reciprocal visits and other close interactions that have taken place between the two countries. The Minister said the recent commissioning of the West Africa Cable System (WASC) will lead to the improvement of connectivity with the rest of the world. He added that the connectivity is critical for the two countries’ development and competitiveness in a globalised world.
Mr Skelemani said the ongoing project to develop a dry port facility at Walvis Bay and the Trans Kalahari railway line will help diversify Botswana’s routes to the world markets as well as reduce the cost of transportation. He said although they have made some achievements in a number of outstanding commitments that need to be pursued with vigour.
For his part, the Namibian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Utoni Nujoma said the JPCC session is a significant step in advancing the excellent bilateral relations and long standing bonds of friendship, solidarity, good neighbourliness and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries and their people
.He said the meeting will enable them to review the progress that has been made in the implementation of the decisions of the 4th session. BOPA
