The Deputy Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Hilma Nicanor, reaffirmed Namibia's commitment to strengthen its friendship with the Brazilian Navy as both countries work towards shared goals.
She said this during the special re-inauguration ceremony in honour of the 1997 hydrographic survey of Walvis Bay Harbour, conducted by the Brazilian Hydrographic Vessel Sirius.
The memorial plaque was restored to celebrate Namibia and Brazil's 30th anniversary of the naval cooperation agreement.
Nicanor emphasised that as long-standing friends, Namibia and Brazil should continue to enhance their bilateral relations, expand their cooperation, and collaborate on addressing future challenges.
She stated that together, they can chart a course toward a safer, more secure, and more prosperous maritime future.
"Since Brazilian Marines have trained many Namibian marines in courses taught in the country, in addition to providing military, technical, and administrative advice to the Marine Infantry Battalion, including the planning and execution of annual operational activities. Furthermore, under the Bilateral Naval Cooperation, Brazilian offshore patrol vessels have regularly visited Namibia as part of naval training exercises along the coast of Africa."
Brazilian Ambassador to Namibia Vivian Sanmartin witnessed the ceremony and said, "27 years have gone by since the first multiple chart was produced. Walvis Bay is rapidly developing and expanding; it is our hope that it will become a major maritime and logistic hub of southern Africa. We look forward to seeing many more ships coming from Brazil, from not only our navy but also commercial ones, bringing Brazilian produce to Namibia and taking Namibian goods to Brazil."
Walvis Bay Mayor Trevino Forbes said the strategic collaboration between the two counties has brought technical expertise, shared knowledge, and innovative practices.
"As the guideway to Namibia, Walvis Bay has felt this profound impact from improved infrastructure to increased maritime activities. The benefits of our collaboration with Brazil that have resonated throughout our community, our fishermen, and fishing companies have all reaped the awards, more reboots, and secured port."