Namibia and Tanzania have signed three Memoranda of Understanding on diplomatic and political consultations, cooperation, and security matters, as well as energy resources.

The MOUs were signed following the deliberations of the three-day third session of the Namibia-Tanzania Joint Commission on Cooperation.

Tanzania's Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Stergomena Lawrence Tax, says the successful implementation of the three agreements will contribute to socio-economic development in Namibia and Tanzania and will enhance their citizens' living standards.

She however raised concern over the slow implementation of the existing agreements, reiterating the call to redouble efforts for speedy implementation and thus strengthening historical bonds, increasing trade links, and broadening economic and political cooperation.

About 18 MOUs are still pending.

"To make our relations more meaningful, we need to take the decisions we make seriously and the implementation of agreed-upon issues. Let us also remove the bureaucracy that hinders us from reaching targeted milestones, and in doing so, save our people's lives. Let me call upon the senior officials to make sure that these MOUs are finalized."

Namibia's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, says it is about time Namibia and Tanzania elevate their economic and political relations to realize the African vision of clean water, free education, and quality health care.

Nandi-Ndaitwah equally called for commitment from both sides to the effective implementation of their existing bilateral agreements through careful monitoring.

"For one of them, we have agreed that every six months there should be communication from both teams on the process of implementation, and that is in addition to the mid-term review, which has to take place next year before the 4th Joint Commission. Dear officials, you are the implementers, and we please seek your understanding that when we are contacting your ministries, please provide us with feedback; otherwise, we will not provide the services our people want."

The 4th session of the Namibia-Tanzania Joint Commission of Cooperation will take place in Tanzania in 2025.