Angola and Nam to strengthen border trading
Last remaining border posts reopened
The Namibian and Angolan police forces will cooperate to fight cross-border crimes such as smuggling.
In order to facilitate cross-border movement of goods and people, the Angolan government has reiterated its interest in deepening cooperation on matters pertaining to civil protection, terrorism, smuggling of firearms/fuel and immigration at Namibia’s border town Oshikango.
Angolan minister of the interior Eugénio Cesar Laborinho made the announcement at Oshikango in the Ohangwena region on Wednesday during his two-day trip to Namibia. He was accompanied by Namibia's minister of home affairs, immigration, safety and security, Albert Kawana.
The ministers commended the excellent work of the police and the investigation units of the two countries in addressing cross-border crimes.
They also discussed bilateral relations, focusing on issues of common interest.
The ministers urged for the implementation of the decisions pertaining to public safety and security taken at the 21st session of the Joint Commission on Defence and Security held in Swakopmund, Namibia, in November 2021, as well as decisions taken at the Bilateral Meeting held in Lubango, Angola, in April 2021.
With a view to strengthening public safety and security between the two countries, Kawana and Laborinho signed a Protocol of Cooperation between the police forces of Namibia and Angola.
Borders open
The last border posts between the two countries that remained closed were reopened on Wednesday. These included the Ruacana, Omahenene and Omuvelo waKashamane border posts.
In 2022, all border posts were closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Oshikango/Santa Clara and Katwitwi border posts were the first to reopen.
Laborinho said the Covid-19 situation was now under control.
“There was the first opening at the Santa Clara border post. This was done to normalise the mobility of people and goods,” he said.
Laborinho said those using the border posts are expected to comply with health regulations, as the coronavirus has yet not been declared defeated by any country.
“We are very happy there will be greater movement between Namibia and Angola, as it shall be a facility for people who want to visit their families between the two,” Laborinho said.
Kawana said the opening of the borders came at a unique time where Namibia remembered people who were victims of the Cassinga massacre, where many children, women and men lost their lives.
He emphasised that Namibia and Angola shared a history and remain in unity for the benefit of the people. Kawana added that because of the atrocities Namibians suffered during the war and the help they received from Angola, the two countries will always be united.
- [email protected]
Angolan minister of the interior Eugénio Cesar Laborinho made the announcement at Oshikango in the Ohangwena region on Wednesday during his two-day trip to Namibia. He was accompanied by Namibia's minister of home affairs, immigration, safety and security, Albert Kawana.
The ministers commended the excellent work of the police and the investigation units of the two countries in addressing cross-border crimes.
They also discussed bilateral relations, focusing on issues of common interest.
The ministers urged for the implementation of the decisions pertaining to public safety and security taken at the 21st session of the Joint Commission on Defence and Security held in Swakopmund, Namibia, in November 2021, as well as decisions taken at the Bilateral Meeting held in Lubango, Angola, in April 2021.
With a view to strengthening public safety and security between the two countries, Kawana and Laborinho signed a Protocol of Cooperation between the police forces of Namibia and Angola.
Borders open
The last border posts between the two countries that remained closed were reopened on Wednesday. These included the Ruacana, Omahenene and Omuvelo waKashamane border posts.
In 2022, all border posts were closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Oshikango/Santa Clara and Katwitwi border posts were the first to reopen.
Laborinho said the Covid-19 situation was now under control.
“There was the first opening at the Santa Clara border post. This was done to normalise the mobility of people and goods,” he said.
Laborinho said those using the border posts are expected to comply with health regulations, as the coronavirus has yet not been declared defeated by any country.
“We are very happy there will be greater movement between Namibia and Angola, as it shall be a facility for people who want to visit their families between the two,” Laborinho said.
Kawana said the opening of the borders came at a unique time where Namibia remembered people who were victims of the Cassinga massacre, where many children, women and men lost their lives.
He emphasised that Namibia and Angola shared a history and remain in unity for the benefit of the people. Kawana added that because of the atrocities Namibians suffered during the war and the help they received from Angola, the two countries will always be united.
- [email protected]
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article