By Staff Reporter
His Majesty King Mswati III of Swaziland along with his delegates paid a call on President Hifikepunye Pohamba for official talks and exchange views on issues of mutual concern between the two countries and hopes of exploring new areas of bi-lateral co-operation.
King Mswati III and his large entourage were welcomed at State House by President Pohamba, during a five day state visit in the country on July 24-29.
King Mswati’s visit to the country follows the similar challenges such economic growth that both Namibia and Swaziland are facing.
Shortly after independence Namibia and Swaziland signed an agreement on General Co-operation between the two governments, a foundation upon which the two countries can expand to scope the bi-lateral affairs.
Pohamba, who hosting the visiting delegation and State Bouquet, assured them of Namibia’s readiness and determination to work closely with Swaziland in identifying more potential areas of co-operation such a trade, investment, agriculture, energy, mining and education.
President Pohamba reiterated that Namibia stands ready to co-operate with Swaziland in the management of natural resources, including environment protection and conservation.
“One area of success between the two countries is the special education and curricula development which saw the introduction of Sign Language as an examinable subject at high school level.”Pohamba said.
Pohamba noted to the Swaziland Delegation that Namibia has identified the tourism sector as one of the fastest growing industries in the world, which has contributed to the effort of addressing high levels of unemployment, through community-based tourism initiatives.
Pohamba said the Richterveld and Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Parks will attract more tourists to SADC Region “This will have positive spin-offs and benefits for tourism in our individual countries”
It was on the same platform, that Pohamba thanked King Mswati III for his country’s support and solidarity with SADC Member States that are involved in the EPA negotiations with the European Union.
Pohamba added that the ultimatum given by the EIU regarding the signing agreement should be waved so the current negotiations can proceed without undue pressure.
“We call upon the EU to maintain the current mechanisms that provide access for our products into European Markets. The EPA negotiations should retain the character of being development-friendly partnership and should not result in a situation where SADC Member States would be economically disadvantaged.” Pohamba said.