At the invitation of H.E. Dr. Hage G. Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia, H.E. Prof. Alpha Condé, President of the Republic of Guinea undertook a State Visit to Namibia from 8-9 May 2019.

H.E. President Condé was accompanied by a high level delegation, comprising of Ministers, and Senior Government Officials of the Republic of Guinea.

The two Heads of State and Government lauded the warm historical ties of friendship founded on common interests that exist between Guinea and Namibia. Similarly they reaffirmed the commitment to Pan-Africanism and recalled the inspiring role played by extraordinary Organization of Africa Unity (OAU) founders in the decolonization of the continent and the forging of unity amongst African people. They hailed, the selfless spirit of solidarity and contributions made by African countries and Guinea in particular, to the struggle for the independence of Namibia.

The two Heads of State and Government expressed their desire and commitment to work towards further strengthening the excellent bilateral relations and cooperation for the mutual benefit of their peoples and countries. They also noted with satisfaction the on-going bilateral engagements between the two countries and applauded the Inaugural Session of the Joint Commission of Cooperation (JCC) between Namibia and Guinea that preceded the State Visit from 6-7May 2019 in Windhoek, Namibia. They urged the relevant Ministries to accelerate the implementation of the signed agreements in order to translate those undertakings into tangible results for the benefit of the people of the two countries.

The two leaders committed themselves to enhance political and diplomatic consultations between the two countries. They also committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation in the areas of industrialization, trade and SME development, agriculture and livestock, education and innovation, maritime, ports and logistics, mining and energy, tourism, safety and security. In this regard, H.E. Prof. Alpha Condé visited MEATCO in Windhoek, the marine and salt industry, Seawork Fish Processors and the Namibian Port Authority (NAMPORT), in Erongo Region.

At the regional level, the Heads of State committed themselves to work together on regional issues including the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), to facilitate free movement of goods and services at the continental level.

The Heads of State further recognized the vital role that renewable energy plays in contributing to sustained economic growth on the continent. In this regard, they reiterated their renewed commitment in attaining energy self-sufficiency and noted the importance of the Africa Renewable Energy Initiative (AREI) Initiative in attaining the objectives and aspirations of the African Union Agenda 2063 for “the Africa We Want”, that is a prosperous and industrialized Africa. Namibia applauded the leadership provided by the Republic of Guinea as the Chair of the Board of AREI to promote African ownership of the Africa Renewable Energy Initiative on the continent.

The two Heads of State held substantive and fruitful discussions on issues of common interest at regional and international levels. They expressed concerns over the acts of terrorism in some parts of Africa, particularly in the Sahel and the broader West African sub- region. They further expressed solidarity with the Governments and people affected by the scourge of terrorism. They reiterated their commitment to support the efforts of the African Union aimed at consolidating peace and security on the African continent

The two Heads of State witnessed the signing of the following Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding:

• MoU on Agriculture and Livestock between the Government of the Republic of Namibia and the Government of the Republic of Guinea,
• MoU on Mining & Geology between the Government of the Republic of Namibia and the Government of the Republic of Guinea,
• MoU on Tourism between the Government of the Republic of Namibia and the Government of the Republic of Guinea, and;
• Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Namibia and Government of the Republic of Guinea

In order to honour the fallen heroes and heroines of the Namibian liberation, H.E. Prof. President Alpha Condé laid a wreath at the Heroes Acre and visited the National Independence Museum.

During the State Visit, H.E. Prof. Alpha Condé President of the Republic of Guinea was conferred the highest medal, The Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis First Class, by H.E Dr. Hage G. Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia, for the contribution his country and people have made to the struggle of the African people in general, and the Namibian people in particular.

H.E. President Hage Geingob, thanked H.E. Prof. President Alpha Condé for honouring his invitation to pay a reciprocal State Visit to Namibia, and in return, H.E. Prof. Alpha Condé, expressed his sincere appreciation, for the warm welcome and the successful State Visit to the Republic of Namibia.