The Namibian Army will continue to enhance its efforts to contribute to international peace, security, and stability.

The Chief of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF), Air Marshall Martin Pinehas, made this remark at the official opening of Hanganee II at Tsjaka in the Omaheke Region.

The NDF and the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) are participating in the joint peace support operation training exercise.

Air Marshall Pinehas said this cooperation has strengthened bilateral ties between the two neighbouring countries.

"The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs continues to recognise the importance of the resolution of the 22nd session of the Namibia and Botswana Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security held at Gaborone in November 2012, which gave impetus for the conduct of a joint peace support operation. Exercise Hanganee One was conducted in 2016, while Exercise Hanganee || is underway after a long period of not being undertaken due to the COVID-19 pandemic."

On his part, the Regional Governor of the Omaheke, Pijoo Nganate, welcomed the initiative taken by the Forces, as the region will reap the fruits of the exercise in various ways, such as conducting humanitarian relief operations, amongst others.

Various team members of the Exercise were dispatched to constituencies in the Omaheke Region during the joint operation.

Operation Hanganee, which started on the 15th of June, will end on the 30th of this month.