Nam, Russia uranium projects to start

The implementation of joint projects between Namibia and Russia on the exploration, mining and processing of uranium ore in the Land of the Brave can begin, following the lifting Namibia's moratorium on new applications for uranium prospecting licences.This is according to international relations minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who was speaking during a three-day visit by Russian foreign affairs minister Sergey Lavrov, which ends today.Nandi-Ndaitwah said in this context, negotiations between Namibia and Russia are ongoing to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.Russia is an important and permanent member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors and an important player in nuclear technology. She therefore thanked Russia for supporting Namibia's application to the nuclear suppliers group.According to her Namibia continues to address its skills deficit and is therefore grateful for the scholarships offered by Russia to Namibian students, who are currently studying at various universities in that country.She said in August, Namibia will assume the chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and looks forward to further strengthen cooperation between the regional bloc and Russia, as per the signed MoU on SADC-Russia Cooperation. This signing of this agreement was approved at the 37th SADC summit of heads of state and government held in South Africa. The agreement is with regards to military and technical cooperation.Furthermore, Nandi-Ndaitwah said the maintenance of international peace and security is an important United Nations Charter obligation.“Both Namibia and the Russian Federation attach great importance to the reform of the UN Security Council. Hence, for Namibia, the common African position as outlined in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, continue to remain the only viable option to redress the historical injustice done to the African continent and to ensure that Africa takes its place in the UN Security Council, including in the permanent category with the right of veto.”Nandi-Ndaitwah said Namibia is counting on the support of Russia for Africa's position to correct the historic injustice of the non-permanent representation of Africa on the UN Security Council. She also said the issue of self-determination is of great importance to Namibia, and therefore the country's unwavering support to the Palestine people in their pursuit to exercise their inalienable rights to self-determination and establish an independent state of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital. “Likewise, we reaffirm Namibia's continued support to the Saharawi people in their just struggle to determine their own future destiny and national independence. The Russian Federation, as a member of UN Security Council, has a great role to play in ensuring that relevant UN resolutions on Saharawi are implemented.”Nandi-Ndaitwah said with regards to Syria that Namibia supports its territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty. “Namibia further supports a negotiated peaceful solution and call for the respect of ceasefire to allow for humanitarian assistance to the civilian population.”ELLANIE SMIT

Nam, Russia uranium projects to start

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-18

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Nam, Russia uranium projects to start

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-18

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