Namibia, Sierra Leone, to strengthen ties
Building on a shared history
Namibia and Sierra Leone want to work together to promote economic development and bring peace to Africa.
On Tuesday, Sierra Leone's foreign affairs and international cooperation minister, Professor David Francis, met with his counterpart, Namibia’s minister of international relations and cooperation, and deputy prime minister, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
Francis' visit was in preparation for an official visit by the President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, planned for later this year. President Hage Geingob visited that country last year at the invitation of Bio.
Nandi-Ndaitwah warmly welcomed Francis with memories of that country’s support during Namibia's struggle for independence.
Top officials of Namibia's leadership at the time travelled with Sierra Leonean diplomatic passports, including President Hage Geingob and Nandi-Ndaitwah, among others.
Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila attended school in Sierra Leone.
Stronger together
Nandi-Ndaitwah said that Sierra Leone has long been friends with Namibia, and she would like to expand and strengthen the friendship. Together, the two countries should lead in terms of solidarity on the continent and pan-Africanism, she said.
She said that Africa can only be industrialised by 2063 if African countries can work together and, more specifically, apply the opportunities of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
She said that this can transform Africa's economy so that it looks more towards Africa than abroad.
"We must invest in infrastructure to connect Africa," she said.
Planned action
Nandi-Ndaitwah also said that agreements and legal instruments must be developed to boost trade between African countries. Cooperation between Sierra Leone and Namibia is particularly aimed at agriculture, tourism, education, energy, water, and fisheries.
Furthermore, the two countries are working together to promote peace on the continent and end excessive violence in Africa by 2063.
Namibia and Sierra Leone are also at the forefront of United Nations (UN) reform. In this regard, Francis said they are promoting Africa's joint position, which calls for Africa to hold five seats on the UN Security Council.
Africa wants to occupy two seats among the permanent members of the Security Council, as well as two temporary seats and one seat to be shared on a rotational basis among African countries.
According to Francis, Africa was the focus of 70% of the issues under discussion at the Security Council before the war broke out in Ukraine. "Reform can be achieved within our time," he insisted.
He said the continent's leadership must promote a new world order by practicing pan-Africanism and standing together for a stable, peaceful, and prosperous Africa.
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Francis' visit was in preparation for an official visit by the President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, planned for later this year. President Hage Geingob visited that country last year at the invitation of Bio.
Nandi-Ndaitwah warmly welcomed Francis with memories of that country’s support during Namibia's struggle for independence.
Top officials of Namibia's leadership at the time travelled with Sierra Leonean diplomatic passports, including President Hage Geingob and Nandi-Ndaitwah, among others.
Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila attended school in Sierra Leone.
Stronger together
Nandi-Ndaitwah said that Sierra Leone has long been friends with Namibia, and she would like to expand and strengthen the friendship. Together, the two countries should lead in terms of solidarity on the continent and pan-Africanism, she said.
She said that Africa can only be industrialised by 2063 if African countries can work together and, more specifically, apply the opportunities of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
She said that this can transform Africa's economy so that it looks more towards Africa than abroad.
"We must invest in infrastructure to connect Africa," she said.
Planned action
Nandi-Ndaitwah also said that agreements and legal instruments must be developed to boost trade between African countries. Cooperation between Sierra Leone and Namibia is particularly aimed at agriculture, tourism, education, energy, water, and fisheries.
Furthermore, the two countries are working together to promote peace on the continent and end excessive violence in Africa by 2063.
Namibia and Sierra Leone are also at the forefront of United Nations (UN) reform. In this regard, Francis said they are promoting Africa's joint position, which calls for Africa to hold five seats on the UN Security Council.
Africa wants to occupy two seats among the permanent members of the Security Council, as well as two temporary seats and one seat to be shared on a rotational basis among African countries.
According to Francis, Africa was the focus of 70% of the issues under discussion at the Security Council before the war broke out in Ukraine. "Reform can be achieved within our time," he insisted.
He said the continent's leadership must promote a new world order by practicing pan-Africanism and standing together for a stable, peaceful, and prosperous Africa.
– [email protected]
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