At the invitation of H.E. Dr. Hage G. Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia, H.E. Dr. John Pombe Joseph Magufuli, President of the United Republic of Tanzania paid a State Visit to the Republic of Namibia from 27-28 May 2019.

The two Heads of State and Government lauded the historical ties and excellent bilateral relations and cooperation that are founded on common interests. Similarly, they reaffirmed the commitment to Pan-Africanism and recalled the inspiring role played by extraordinary African leaders such as Julius K. Nyerere and Kwame Nkrumah, in the formation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). These African leaders ignited the yearning for freedom on the continent and the forging of unity amongst African people. They hailed the selfless spirit of solidarity and contributions made by the people of Tanzania to the liberation struggle for the independence of Namibia.

The two Heads of State discussed a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues. They expressed their satisfaction with the cordial relations that happily exist between the two countries and underscored the need to further deepen the cooperation in the various areas including agriculture, trade and investment, fisheries, livestock, mining, promotion of Kiswahili language, higher learning education, arts and culture.

The two leaders reaffirmed the need to boost trade ties between the two countries. To that end, the two Heads of State directed the finalization of the pending MoUs establishing cooperation on trade and investment sectors.

Furthermore, the two Heads of State directed the two Ministers responsible with foreign affairs to speed up the holding of the Namibia-Tanzania Joint Commission of Cooperation within sixty days. The JCC was inaugurated in April 1999 in Windhoek and since then the two countries have not been able to convene another meeting. The next meeting is expected to take place in Tanzania.

The two Heads of State also participated in the renaming ceremony of the Lazarett Street in the Windhoek Central Business District to Julius K. Nyerere, in honour of his contribution to the liberation struggle in Southern Africa and Namibia in particular, as well as his contribution to peace and justice on the African continent. His son, Mr. Charles Makongoro Nyerere represented the family at the ceremony.

His Excellency President Dr. Magufuli informed his counterpart that preparations were underway to open a Tanzanian Diplomatic Mission in Windhoek.

At the regional level, the two Heads of State committed themselves to work together on the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (ACFTA), in order to facilitate free movement of goods, services and people in the continent. They noted that such continental efforts are key drivers for the socio-economic development and the realization of the African Union Agenda 2063.

Furthermore, H.E. Dr. Geingob reiterated his Government’s confidence on the able leadership of Tanzania in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), as H.E. Dr. Magufuli assumes the responsibility of the SADC Chairmanship in August 2019. President Geingob thus pledged Namibia’s unwavering support to Tanzania’s SADC Chairmanship

When it comes to peace and security in the region, the two Heads of State congratulated the Governments and people of South Africa and Malawi for conducting their elections in an orderly and peaceful manner. In the same vein, the two leaders commended the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for the positive developments which are aimed at restoring peace and security in that country. They reiterated their commitment to support the efforts of the African Union aimed at consolidating peace and security on the African continent.

H.E. President Geingob, thanked H.E. President Magufuli for honouring his invitation to pay a State Visit to Namibia, and in return, H.E. President Magufuli expressed his sincere appreciation and that of his entire delegation for the warm welcome and successful State Visit to the Republic of Namibia.

H.E. President Magufuli further extended an invitation to H.E. President Geingob to pay a State Visit to the United Republic of Tanzania which was promptly accepted.