Mnangagwa meets Geingob

WINDHOEK, Jan. 15 – Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa made his maiden visit to Namibian President Hage Geingob after the former assumed power following then President Robert Mugabe’s resignation late last year.

Mnangagwa’s courtesy call preceded a meeting with potential investors and the Zimbabwean community living in Namibia.

Geingob said he was happy that everything went well and was back to normal in Zimbabwe, adding that Zimbabwe was once known as the bread basket not only in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Region, but the entire Africa; a status that the country should strive for through the resuscitation of various industries.

In addition, he highlighted that Zimbabwe and Namibia have been close allies since the struggle for independence, and as such Namibia would continue opening its doors to its neighbour.

(Left) Zimbabwean President Emmerson D. Mnangagwa shakes hands with Namibian President Hage Geingob

“Namibia would like to promote and continue the excellent relationship that exists between the two countries,” he added.

Speaking at the occasion, Mnangagwa said: “The reason why I came was to brief my elder brother about what unfolded in Zimbabwe last year. I remember during my hide out in South Africa my elder brother Dr. Hage Geigob was one of the three people who called me and gave me words of encouragement,” said Mnangagwa.

Moreover, he added that the reason for the State visits was to introduce himself to his various counterparts. “The first country I visited was South Africa, in order to brief the SADC Chairman. After south Africa I went to Angola and now I am in Namibia.”

Mnangagwa’s one day visit culminated in a business forum with Zimbabweans living in Namibia, and he will continue to visit other nations in the region, namely Mozambique, Zambia and then Botswana. – Robert Maseka