2ND SESSION OF THE NAMIBIA-ANGOLA POLITICAL AND DIPLOMATIC CONSULTATIONS (VIRTUAL)
3 May 2021, Tsumeb
COMMUNIQUÉ
1. The 2nd Session of the Namibia-Angola Diplomatic and Political Consultations took place virtually in Tsumeb, Namibia, on 3rd May 2021. The Ministerial Session was co-chaired by Hon. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation and H.E. Ambassador Téte António, Minister of External Relations of the Republic of Angola.
2. During their deliberations, both sides focused on critical matters affecting bilateral cooperation between the two countries, mainly issues of common interest in the areas of socio-economic development, transport, energy, agriculture and water development, among others.
3. The meeting commended the efforts by the two Governments to combat the further spread of COVID-19, including the rolling out of vaccines to their respective populations.
4. The two parties agreed on the importance of the movement of people and goods between the common border. While Namibia is ready to open her borders, in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, Angola undertook to continue assessing the internal situation and decide accordingly.
5. The Ministers agreed to continue consultations on finding amicable solutions with regard to the ongoing humanitarian situation of Angolan nationals arriving in Namibia due to drought.
6. On the challenge posed to both countries by the outbreak of the African migratory locust, both sides agreed to work together, in setting up a common strategy of action that will allow common use of means and equipment, as well as border air spaces for effective fight against the African migratory locust.
7. Both parties welcomed the decision of the Minister of Interior of Angola and his Namibian counterpart to establish a Joint Technical Committee to deal with Namibians at Olupale in Angola, as well as veterinary related issues in finding ways of eradicating foot and mouth disease along their common border.
8. The meeting agreed to establish a Joint Technical Committee to look into the intention of constructing a Veterinary Cordon Fence along the common border.
9. Both parties noted with satisfaction that the ongoing construction of monuments and shrines at Cassinga and Sheetekela in the Republic of Angola is progressing well.
10. Both parties committed to continue consultations on the possible environmental implications for Namibia with regard to the construction by the Government of Angola of dams, canals and boreholes in the Cunene Province to combat the effects of the recurrent drought in that Province.
11. The meeting also deliberated on the issue related to the regularization of Angolan nationals living in Namibia, in accordance to the Namibian laws.
12. On regional matters, the meeting exchanged views on issues related to peace and security situation in the SADC region. They also exchanged views on regional trade issues, including SADC’s Industrialisation Strategy, and the African Continental Free-Trade Area (AfCFTA), both of which emphasise beneficiation and value addition on services and goods.
13. Both parties condemned the recent terror attack on the town of Palma, Province of Cabo Delgado, in the Republic of Mozambique. They further expressed solidarity with the Government and people of the Republic of Mozambique and reaffirmed their continued commitment to SADC initiative of ensuring lasting peace and security in the region.
14. The Meeting noted with concern that no progress has been made in the implementation of UN resolutions on Western Sahara and the peace process on Palestine and called upon the intensification of efforts towards the full exercise of the inalienable right to self-determination and national independence of the Saharawi and the Palestinians.
15. The Ministers reiterated their desire to continue strengthening the strong bonds of friendship and solidarity and cooperation existing between the two countries. They also emphasized the importance of holding regular diplomatic consultations as an effective mechanism to track progress on the implementation of decisions taken by the Bi-National Commission (BNC), and other bilateral fora.
16. The meeting paid tribute to the victims of the Cassinga Massacre that occurred on 4 May 1978 when the South Africa Apartheid regime attacked Namibian refugee camps in Cassinga, southern Angola, which left more than 800 killed and over a thousand wounded.
17. The Angola delegation expressed its sincere appreciation and fraternal gratitude to Namibia for hosting the first Political and Diplomatic Consultations virtually, in the spirit of mutual respect, friendship and solidarity.