Namibia and Angola have signed seven new agreements, adding to more than 60 existing bilateral agreements, as the two countries seek to strengthen cooperation in development, trade and investment.
The agreements were signed during the inaugural session of the Namibia-Angola Bi-National Commission in Luanda.
The instruments cover areas including the employment of dependants of diplomatic officials, memorial sites, sports development, arts and culture, fisheries and aquaculture, tourism, and the establishment of a One-Stop Border Post at Oshikango and Santa Clara.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah noted that the cooperation between the two countries aligns with the African Union's Agenda 2063, which envisions an integrated and industrialised Africa.
She pointed out that energy and water security are important enablers of this agenda, as they support key sectors such as agriculture, education, health, housing, infrastructure and logistics.
"As in Namibia, we say, water is life. Therefore, if two of our countries can make a breakthrough in the two sectors, definitely we will be able to save our people better, we will be able to make our contribution to the realization of Africa Agenda 2063."
On his part, President Joao Lourenço placed particular emphasis on oil production, refining and local value addition, calling on African oil-producing countries to reduce their reliance on exporting crude oil.
He said countries endowed with natural resources should develop the capacity to process them locally, allowing them to retain more economic value and create employment for their people.
President Lourenço reflected on Angola's experience in oil exploration, production and marketing, noting that the country was ready to share its expertise with Namibia as it prepares to develop its petroleum industry.
He also invited Namibia to consider participating in the shareholder structure of the Lobito Refinery, which is expected to process 200,000 barrels of oil per day once completed.
"We are here to share the experience that Angola has in oil research and production. Namibia has joined the Club of Oil Producers, although it has not yet started producing, but this will happen. And Angola is already cooperating with Namibia to share the long experience that we have in the domain of oil research, production and marketing."
The leaders concur that the Bi-National Commission presents an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations, with both heads of state calling for existing commitments and newly signed agreements to translate into effective development outcomes for their citizens.