Namibian and Russian are working tirelessly to deepen trade, investment and technology areas, leveraging on the sound historical friendship.
Leaders from both countries took stock of growing cooperation across key sectors, during the Russia National Day celebrations in Windhoek on Friday.
Namibia and Russia are pushing ahead with plans to expand economic cooperation.
International Relations and Trade Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi says both countries are committed to turning their long-standing relationship into real benefits for their people.
She said recent engagements, including her visit to Moscow in January, the Namibia-Russia Business Forum and the 11th session of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, have strengthened momentum for closer ties.
“All these engagements reaffirmed the commitment of our two governments and private sectors to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, fisheries, mining, energy, transport, education and health, science and technology, tourism, cultural exchanges, as well as political co-operation.”
Ashipala-Musavyi further revealed that Namibia is keen to attract Russian investment into value addition industries, manufacturing and fertilizer production.
“There remains significant untapped potential, which can be unlocked through stronger business-to-business partnership and the implementation of agreements concluded under the framework of the Intergovernmental Commission.”
Russia's Ambassador to Namibia, Dmitry Lobach listed the expansion of cooperation in areas ranging from education and healthcare to science and technology.
He says more than 300 Namibians are currently studying in Russia.
“Each year, 35 governmental scholarships are allocated for tuition-free study at Russian universities. Our ministries of health are working on sending Russian doctors to practice in Namibia and also train local medical staff. This year, Russia donated a mobile laboratory for detection and diagnostics of infectious diseases, which is ready for an official transfer.”
Russia will host the third Russia-Africa summit in Moscow in October this year.
Ambassador Lobach says this platform would provide Namibian businesses across various sectors to explore investment opportunities.
“Economic and humanitarian forum will be held on the sidelines of the summit and include various panels, roundtables, scientific and technical exhibitions, and many cultural events. We look forward to active and high-level participation of the Namibian delegation.”
Russia National Day, observed on 12 June annually, marks the adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Russian Federation in 1990.
