By Lylie Happiness

Windhoek, July 28 – The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation and Deputy Prime Minister of Namibia, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has said that the current state of geopolitical instability faced in the world cannot be left unattended and advised that the key to remedying this conflict is inter-party cooperation.

Nandi-Ndaitwah made these remarks at the second Russia Africa summit, where Vladimir Putin welcomed African leaders to the Economic and Humanitarian Forum. Nandi-Ndaitwah further emphasized that international organizations like the United Nations, regional security mechanisms, and bilateral alliances are established to play a crucial role in facilitating and strengthening cooperation, resolving disputes, and preventing conflicts.

Therefore, for these international bodies to be effective, Nandi-Ndaitwah said like-minded ruling political parties must coordinate their activities and their input in those bodies’ operations, to ensure adherence to international law and norms. In so doing, she said nations can build trust, mitigate security dilemmas, and foster an environment conducive to peace and stability.

Nandi-Ndaitwah explained that geopolitical instability is complex and multifaceted as it relates to international peace and security; hence it requires careful analysis and consideration. Among others, geopolitical instability influences the balance of power between nation-states, leading to uncertainty, tensions, and conflicts.

“In such a scenario, maintaining international security becomes a challenge. Geopolitical instability can be due to many factors, including territorial disputes, ideological differences, resource competition, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. However, the situation cannot be allowed to go unattended,” Nandi-Ndaitwah explained.

She added that one of the key aspects of addressing international security in the face of geopolitical instability is inter-party cooperation.

The minister said that this is so because parties are political institutions that are closer to the people and can appreciate their aspirations.”Inter-party cooperation can ensure an open and effective collaboration and coordination between different nation-states and international organizations to collectively address security challenges and promote stability. Inter-party cooperation can take various forms, such as bilateral diplomatic consultations, multilateral agreements, security alliances, and person-to-person contacts,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.

Also speaking at the event, Putin shared that Africa’s potential is clear to everyone, sharing that, for instance, Africa’s average annual GDP growth of 4 to 4.5% per year is exceeding the global rate.

He further noted that the population is moving closer to 1.5 billion persons and is growing faster than anywhere else in the world. “Russia is sincerely interested in further deepening versatile trading investments and humanitarian ties with Africa,” Putin said.

The Russian president further added that last year, Russia-Africa’s turnover reached USD 18 billion and that Russian exports to Africa include machines, equipment, chemicals, and food. He shared that Russia understands the importance of seamless food supply to African countries and has paid special attention to the supply of wheat, grain, barley, and corn to African nations.

Putin said that last year, Russia exported 11.5 million tons of grain to Africa, and in the past six months of 2023, they exported 10 million tons, despite the illegitimate sanctions placed against Russia. He further questioned how Western countries get in the way of Russia’s fertilizer supplies but also at the same time blame Russia for the current global food security crisis. – Namibia Daily News