Namibia, Angola to meet each other halfway

Michelline Nawatises SWAKOPMUNDGovernment has called on Angola to consider reopening its borders in the interest of residents of both countries, particularly those living along the common border.Defence ministry executive director Dr Wilhelmine Shivute made this call at the opening of the 21st session of the Namibia-Angola joint commission on defence and security, which took place in Swakopmund from 2 to 4 November.Shivute said the continued closure of the border has led to an increase in illegal business activities through ungazetted border points.“Similarly, it has affected the education of Angolan learners who commute daily to attend school in Namibia. It further restricted access to medical care, particularly for those who have chronic health problems and those seeking specialised medical care.”She added that Namibia continues to place a high value on its bilateral relations with Angola, characterised by strong bonds of friendship, solidarity and cooperation that have existed between the countries for many years. ChallengesShivute highlighted that a severe drought was experienced in some parts of both countries during 2019, resulting countless livestock losses and a decline in agricultural production capacity.“The two countries need to continue sharing information on drought preparedness, as well as to work out joint collaborative efforts to enhance the resilience of communities to reduce drought vulnerability and risks,” she emphasised. She listed the global outbreak of Covid-19, which negatively impacted the social and economic development of both countries and continues to pose a severe risk to the overall well-being of nations as one of the most serious challenges that has confronted the countries.She said the neighbouring countries continue to implement the mutual Memorandum of Understanding on the control, prevention and eradication of cross-border animal diseases.“The veterinary authorities of the two countries are encouraged to continue their cooperation in the implementation and harmonisation of disease surveillance activities, to control and eradicate transboundary animal diseases.”The health authorities of Namibia and Angola are also collaborating within the framework of a bilateral cooperation agreement in the field of health on several issues such as joint immunisation campaigns, integrated epidemiological surveillance and the management of communicable diseases in the communities living along the common border.Economies affectedFurthermore, Shivute also listed incidences of money counterfeiting, the smuggling of illicit goods such as cigarettes, liquor, foodstuff and fuel as challenges faced by the two countries.“This has a negative impact on the economy of our countries. Similarly, motor vehicle theft, stock theft, human trafficking and drug trafficking also remain matters of concern.”She said this calls for vigilance and encouraged law enforcement agencies to continue sharing information and coordinating their efforts to prevent and combat these crimes.“Notwithstanding, the security situation along our common border appears to have progressed well, despite the unfortunate closure of the border that has hindered and affected the livelihoods and cross border trade,” Shivute said. michelline@myzone.com.na

Namibia, Angola to meet each other halfway

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-01

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Namibia, Angola to meet each other halfway

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-01

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