Namibia, Kenya to strengthen ties

WINDHOEK, MARCH 22 – Namibia’s President Hage Geingob believes one key area in which Namibia and Kenya can benefit and contribute to the realisation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA), is by cooperation of both countries’ ports.
Geingob was speaking Friday at State House, during Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta’s official state visit a day after Namibia celebrated its 29th Independence away from colonial rule.

Geingob said both countries share a mutual desire to bring about a revitalized, effective and sustained bilateral cooperation for the political, social and economic benefit for the peoples of our countries, hence the visit provided the opportunity to leverage cordial relations and produce tangible results that will help buttress developmental aspirations.

Said Geingob: “Namibia and Kenya are well endowed with diverse natural resources that should be exploited and harnessed for the economic benefit of our people. It is our wish to expand our cooperation in the areas of manufacturing, value-addition of minerals, as well as agro-processing. In this regard, our countries should work together in order to capitalize on the economic potential that these areas offer.
In the Agricultural and Mining sector, Namibia is renowned for its beef, fish, dates, grapes, diamond, gold, uranium, marble and salt to mention but a few. All these products are exported to Africa, Europe and Asia. We are working hard to add other countries to our list of export destinations and will be delighted to have Kenya on that exclusive list.”

“The Republic of Kenya has an excellent transport and logistical network, as well as one of the biggest and most well-managed harbors in Africa, the Port Mombasa. Similarly, Namibia has a well–managed port with direct access to principal shipping routes and is a natural gateway to international trade. Hence, cooperation between our ports will greatly contribute to the realization of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) and Agenda 2063 which speak to the Africa we want,” he added.

Over the years a number of high level exchange visits between the countries have ensued, aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation and friendship. These have culminated in enhanced cooperation in the field of Education, Agriculture, Health, Defense and Aviation. – NDN Staffer