Yury Trutnev holds 10th meeting of the Russian-Namibian Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation

Moscow hosted the 10^th anniversary meeting of the Russian-Namibian Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation. Deputy Prime Minister and Plenipotentiary Presidential Envoy in the Far Eastern Federal District Yury Trutnev heads the commission on the Russian side. Namibian Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Peya Mushelenga co-chairs it for Namibia.

 “Our countries have maintained friendly relations for a long time. Russia sided with the Namibian people during their heroic struggle for freedom and Namibia’s development as a sovereign state. We appreciate that our Namibian friends consistently pursue a truly independent course in international relations and share our thinking on many issues. We preserve the spirit of solidarity and mutual support, continue our trust-based political dialogue and develop our contacts. We have similar views on how the modern world should develop – without dictatorship and attempts to impose on others foreign models of society and government. I am confident that we will continue promoting our cooperation and friendly relations between our countries,” said Yury Trytnev in his opening remarks.

“Namibia thinks bilateral ties and cooperation with the Russian Federation are important. We are proud of our good diplomatic relations with your country. You are a valuable partner for our country. The Russian-Namibian Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation is one of the main platforms for coordinating our bilateral ties,” noted Peya Mushelenga.

The participants discussed ways of upgrading cooperation in agriculture, space, fishing, mining, energy, tourism, education, healthcare, trade and the economy. They also reviewed methods of attracting investment. “The business community of Namibia is interested in developing mutually beneficial relations with Russian businesses,” said Mr Mushelenga.

Mr Trutnev emphasised that a number of Russian companies are interested in geological prospecting for mineral resources of Namibia. “These companies are ready not only to develop these resources and put them into operation but also to teach mining professions to Namibian students,” said Mr Trutnev.

Following the discussion, co-chairs Yury Trutnev and Peya Mushelenga signed the protocol of its 10^th meeting. Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko and Minister of Health and Social Services of the Republic of Namibia Kalumbi Shangula signed a memorandum of understanding between their ministries.

“My counterpart and I agreed that proceeding from the results of the meeting we will give instructions to our subordinates to draft plans of cooperation with a view to developing our trade and economic relations. Russia and Namibia have long-term friendly ties. Our friendship is yet another island of stability that makes it possible to preserve normal international relations and normal development in the world,” said Mr Trutnev, summing up the results of the meeting.

On the same day, the Namibian delegation visited the international Russia EXPO forum and exhibition, notably the pavilion of the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media and looked at the expositions of Far Eastern regions.

“The Russia EXPO exhibition made an indelible impression on us. In fact, it showed us at what level Russia is in a number of industries. I was particularly interested in the development of ICT. In the past, I was the ICT Minister of Namibia. I will certainly share my impressions with my successor. I want him to come here and see everything with his own eyes to identify opportunities for our cooperation. I was very impressed by the pavilions of the Far East, especially the Kamchatka exposition that shows a volcano eruption. I heard about this phenomenon but never saw it. This is very impressive,” said Mr Mushelenga.

“We couldn’t show the entire Russian exposition to our esteemed colleague Mr Mushelenga. This would take much more time than we had. Since he headed the ICT Ministry, we showed him the ICT exhibit. And, of course, I had to show him the display for the Far Eastern regions. This is my job. I am responsible for the development of the Far Eastern macro-region. We can cooperate in many areas in the Far East,” Mr Trutnev summed up.