On January 14, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held talks in Moscow with Minister of International Relations and Trade of the Republic of Namibia, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, who is currently on a working visit to Russia.
The discussions comprehensively addressed the current state and prospects for the further progressive development of the traditionally friendly Russian-Namibian relations. Both sides reaffirmed the steadfast commitment of Moscow and Windhoek to intensifying political dialogue and contacts, and to the effective coordination of their positions within the United Nations and other multilateral formats on a broad range of international and African issues of direct interest to Russia and Namibia. It was agreed to continue regular political consultations on these matters.
The significant potential and mutual interest in achieving tangible results in strengthening constructive partnership in trade, economic, investment, cultural, and other spheres were noted. The ministers underscored the pivotal role of the Intergovernmental Russian-Namibian Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation (IGC) in advancing business collaboration between the two countries, with a focus on geology and mining, energy, transport infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries, healthcare, education, culture, and tourism. The importance of invigorating joint efforts to enhance the legal framework of bilateral relations was also highlighted.
A substantive exchange of views took place on a number of pressing issues on the international and African agenda, with an emphasis on the formation of a multipolar world order, the reform of the United Nations Security Council, the fight against terrorism and extremism, and the resolution of regional crises and conflicts in Africa. The parties also discussed the topics of Middle Eastern and Western Saharan settlement.
During her stay in Moscow, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, who serves as Co-Chair of the Intergovernmental Russian-Namibian Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, was received by Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Plenipotentiary Presidential Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District Yury Trutnev, who heads the Russian side of the IGC. The conversation focused primarily on preparations for and the substantive content of the upcoming 11th IGC meeting in Windhoek.