A draft report of the Joint Committee of Experts on the Orange River boundary will feature at the meeting of the Political, Diplomatic, and Legal Committee of the Namibia-South Africa Bi-National Commission, which is taking place in Swakopmund.

Speaking at the start of the meeting, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Peya Mueshelenga, highlighted the importance of strengthening bilateral relations between Namibia and South Africa. 

The Committee comprises 10 members, five from each country, tasked with making recommendations to and advising the ministers on the Orange River boundary through a joint report.

"I am pleased to note with great appreciation that the Joint Committee of Experts produced their report in 2017. However, due to other equally important engagements on both sides, an opportunity had not presented itself for the report to be tabled for discussion by the Political, Diplomatic, and Legal Committee before the report is presented to the Heads of State of the two respective countries, and hence the decision by the Bi-National Commission last year for the report to be tabled for consideration by the Political, Diplomatic, and Legal Committee before the report is presented to the Heads of State," said Dr. Mushelenga.

The primary objective of the meeting is therefore to finalise the joint report, which would be presented to the Heads of State of the two governments.

"The Report of the Joint Committee of Experts will become the Report of the Political, Diplomatic and Legal Committee after due consideration is given to the contents therein at this Meeting."

South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, commended Namibia for its outstanding leadership in coordinating the recently adopted Pact of the Future.

Lamola emphasised that the adoption of this Pact would solidify Namibia's position as a key player in the ongoing efforts to reform the United Nations, a critical institution for global governance.

"I also wish to commend your sterling coordination of the Pact of the Future. The adoption of this Pact will cement Namibia's role in the reform of the United Nations. This Pact will stand the test of time as we continue to advocate for the premier multilateral institution to truly live up to the dictum, We, The People."