Nandi-Ndaitwah satisfied with outcome of Namibia-Senegal JCC

GOBABIS, 07 JUL  – Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah cautioned that being maritime states, Namibia and Senegal should guard against transnational security threats such as piracy and drug trafficking, which often manifest themselves.
She said such threats place a disproportionately heavy burden on the two countries and small economies.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said this in her closing remarks at the end of the inaugural Namibia- Senegal Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) in Dakar, Senegal on Thursday.
The minister, whose statement was availed to the media on Friday, said a need therefore exists to work with international partners to combat these threats in order to develop and take advantage of the benefits of the ‘blue economy.’
According to the World Bank, the blue economy is the “sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem.”
She explained that when properly managed and conserved, the two countries’ oceans and the marine resources therein will have potential to provide citizens with healthy food through domestic and commercial fishing, employment opportunities and recreation through water sports.
She said it is vital that marine conservation strategies to include measures to combat unreported and unregulated Fishing, as acting swiftly and resolutely in this regard shall secure the countries’ fish stocks for the benefit of future generations.
Nandi-Ndaitwah noted that the JCC achieved an important milestone towards enhancing capacity of both countries and working closer together in different areas such merchant shipping, transport, trade and SME development as well as fisheries and food security.
“What our two countries have done will no doubt contribute to the ongoing efforts for the integration of our continent and the achievement of Agenda 2063.
“I have every confidence in our shared will to achieve the goals we have set for ourselves and bring about the changes we need,” she continued.
The JCC, she stressed has set Namibia on a new irreversible trajectory of commitment to improve bilateral trade and co-operation in the areas of tourism and development of micro-enterprises for the mutual benefit of the people.

(NAMPA)