Kenya - Namibia Inaugural Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation
In a significant diplomatic move to strengthen Kenya-Namibia bilateral relations and cooperation, Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, paid an official visit to Namibia on September 9th and 10th, 2024, at the invitation of Hon. Dr. Peya Mushelenga, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of Namibia.
During his visit, the Prime Cabinet Secretary held key bilateral conversations with Namibian President, His Excellency President Nangolo Mbumba and Vice President His Excellency Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
The discussions focused on political and diplomatic consultations, as well as a review of the inaugural Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation (JPCC) conducted in 2018, which demonstrated the two countries' commitment to developing ties.
Dr. Mudavadi thanked Namibia for hosting the 1st Kenya-Namibia Joint Commission for Cooperation's Mid-Term Review (MTR), emphasizing the platform's importance in strengthening relations in the areas of health, trade and investment, security, agriculture, the blue economy, and education.
President Mbumba emphasized Kenya and Namibia's historical ties, which stem from their respective liberation fights and post-independence developments. He recognized the importance of high-level contacts between the two countries, underlining their close and cordial connections.
One major topic of deliberation was Kenya's candidacy for the African Union Commission chairperson position, with President Mbumba acknowledging Kenya’s former Prime Minister Dr. Raila Odinga as a qualified candidate.
Dr. Mudavadi also met with the Namibian Vice President His Excellency Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to discuss the two nations' historic relations as well as the need to strengthen economic and investment ties. It was emphasized that Namibia's MTR was a priority for following-up on commitments made during the last Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation. The Vice President also emphasized Namibia's efforts to address unemployment, healthcare, and education, with a particular emphasis on youth participation in the electoral process. Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi echoed the significance of youth involvement and the need to follow up on the issues raised during bilateral meetings.
Furthermore, political and diplomatic consultations conducted on September 10, 2024, underlined the commitment to strengthen bilateral relations and collaboration, as indicated by the approval of the Mid-Term Review of the Joint Permanent Commission for collaboration's Inaugural Session. Both sides emphasized the need of maintaining regular diplomatic and political talks to monitor the progress and implementation of agreements made by the Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation and other bilateral fora.
The discussions also underscored trade's critical role as a catalyst for economic growth and development, with a shared commitment to mobilize public and private sector institutions to leverage pro-business policies and strengthen bilateral connections.
The visit by the Prime Cabinet Secretary demonstrates Kenya and Namibia's commitment to establishing mutually beneficial relations and represents a significant step toward stronger cooperation, solidarity, and friendship between the two countries.