Russia and Namibia outline key areas for partnership

Foreign ministers have discussed mining, energy, agriculture, and other sectors during high‑level talks in Moscow

Russia and Namibia have outlined a wide range of promising areas for bilateral cooperation following high-level talks in Moscow on Wednesday.

Speaking at a press conference, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov noted that “geological exploration, the extraction and processing of mineral resources, including uranium” were sectors for cooperation, as well as energy, the agro-industrial complex, and fisheries. The Russian diplomat noted that discussions had also covered contacts in culture and sports, and that tourism and healthcare are other areas with clear potential.

Lavrov also highlighted longstanding cooperation in personnel training. “Many thousands of Namibians have received education in the Russia or in the Soviet Union. This practice continues today,” he added.

Namibian Foreign Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi described relations between the two nations as “historical and strategic.” She highlighted opportunities across multiple sectors, including agriculture, sports, the creative industries, high-quality education, and construction.

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“The potential for cooperation between our two countries is vast,” she said.

The two ministers also discussed regional security issues affecting Africa. Lavrov focused on the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Sahara-Sahel region. He noted that these areas face complex challenges, driven in part by external actors pursuing their own interests and by attempts of terrorist groups to regain strength.

Lavrov stressed that Russia advocates for African countries to lead in resolving their internal problems, while “external players should respect the approaches developed by Africans and provide possible support for the practical implementation of these approaches.”

Answering a question about recent US military actions in Venezuela, Ashipala-Musavyi said her country was deeply concerned.

READ MORE: African Union expresses ‘grave concern’ over situation in Venezuela

“We noted that this is a serious violation of international law and a breach of the UN Charter,” she said, describing Venezuela as a country of the Global South, which “emerged through struggle and resistance” and emphasizing that Namibia rejects a return to colonialism.