The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Peya Mushelenga, had substantive and productive talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Dr. Mushelenga's visit was his first visit to Russia as Minister of International Relations and Cooperation.

A statement issued by the Russian Embassy says the two ministers agreed that bilateral ties, rooted in the uncompromising struggle of the Namibian people for self-determination, are expanding and based on friendship and mutual affection between the peoples.

President Hage Geingob says Namibia and several other African countries remain neutral in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and will continue to call for de-escalation.

About 17 African countries overwhelmingly declined to vote in a UN resolution condemning Russia's actions last year, with some citing historical support Russia offered during the continent's fight against colonialism.