President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and President Duma Boko of Botswana have stressed the need to build on the progress and achievements made since the inaugural session of the Bi-National Commission (BNC), held in 2022.
The two leaders co-chaired the second session of the BNC at State House, where they underscored the high expectations of their citizens for sustained socio-economic development.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah noted that the second session of the BNC is taking place during a period of renewed hope, economic reform, and regional integration.
The establishment of a One-Stop Border Post at Trans-Kalahari-Mamuno, linking Gaborone with the Port of Walvis Bay, and the introduction of national identity cards for cross-border travel are among the initiatives aimed at enhancing regional trade.
"We have the opportunity to build on that momentum with renewed energy, commitment, and a clear focus on tangible results. I am particularly encouraged by our mutual commitment to thoroughly reviewing all existing agreements. This important effort will help keep our bilateral framework flexible, responsive, and aligned with the evolving goals and needs of our nations and their citizens," remarked Nandi-Ndaitwah.
The two countries also have a three-year agreement through which the Botswana Vaccine Institute supplied Namibia with more than 3.8 million doses of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccines.
"These vaccines have been vital in keeping Namibia's livestock safe and productive. This is a contribution that speaks to trust and partnership between our two countries," she added.
To further safeguard their key economic sectors, Botswana's President Duma Boko cautioned against unnecessary competition.
He instead called for what he described as plausible complementarity between Botswana and Namibia.
The Batswana leader also expressed concern over the slow pace of project implementation, noting that such delays frustrate progress and postpone the delivery of benefits to the citizens of both countries.
The second session of the BNC marks another step in strengthening Botswana-Namibia ties, with both leaders pledging to move from policy to action as guided by their respective policies.