Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The 11th meeting of the Intergovernmental Russian-Namibian Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation was held in Windhoek. The Russian side is chaired by Yuri Trutnev, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District. Selma Ashipala-Musawyi, Minister of International Relations and Trade of the Republic of Namibia, chairs the Namibian part of the commission.
"Namibia is a reliable partner for Russia on the African continent. Our shared views on most international issues allow us to effectively coordinate our foreign policy actions on the global stage. I would like to note that hundreds of Namibian public figures have been educated in Russia. This once again demonstrates the friendly nature of our countries' relations. Russia supported the people of Namibia in their heroic struggle for independence, providing food aid during droughts and the coronavirus epidemic. We continue to build a dialogue in the spirit of cooperation and mutual assistance. The struggle for independence has not ended. It has shifted from a military to a political dimension. We are confident that our relations will be sustainable," Yuri Trutnev opened the commission meeting.
"International security and peace are under serious threat. The traditional approach to strengthening peaceful cooperation through diplomacy is disappearing. We in Namibia believe that our shared responsibility as friends and as a global community is to create a more secure world for both present and future generations. Our meeting today is a step in that direction. Our two countries continue to work together both bilaterally and multilaterally. And we are very proud of this cooperation and the fact that, working multilaterally, we are synchronizing and harmonizing our positions on many issues," noted Selma Ashipala-Musavi.
The commission meeting was held in a constructive and businesslike atmosphere. The Russian and Namibian sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening mutually beneficial practical cooperation in various areas and acknowledged the existing potential for further development of trade, economic, investment, humanitarian, and other ties.
The meeting participants summarized the implementation of the decisions recorded in the minutes of the 10th meeting of the Intergovernmental Russian-Namibian Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation and the implementation of the roadmap for the development of trade and economic cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Namibia for the period 2022–2025. They also analyzed the current state and prospects for the development of bilateral relations and adopted a number of decisions.
Trade and economic cooperation were discussed. By the end of 2024, trade turnover between Russia and Namibia had grown by 82.8% (to $11.7 million). This positive trend continued in 2025, with bilateral trade increasing by another 56.9%, reaching $18.4 million.
"Obviously, these figures don't reflect the existing potential for cooperation between our countries. We hope that the business forum held on the sidelines of the meeting of the Intergovernmental Russian-Namibian Commission will mark a new stage in our bilateral relations," said Yuri Trutnev.
The Russian side expressed interest in participating in the Krylia uranium deposit development project and in cooperation in the field of nuclear energy, and is also ready to collaborate in the field of geology and subsoil use.
The parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in the agricultural sector to ensure food security and expand trade. At the recent meeting in Moscow, the Namibian side proposed exploring prospects for importing Russian agricultural products. Russia awaits further information from its Namibian counterparts regarding the list, volumes, and quality characteristics of grains planned for purchase this year and in the coming years. According to Yuri Trutnev, Russia is prepared to supply grain and a number of other agricultural crops.
The possibility of organizing fertilizer supplies from Russia to Namibia was discussed. The Namibian side expressed interest in attracting Russian investment and receiving technical support for the development of national fertilizer production capacity.
"Producing fertilizers in Namibia will not only reduce their cost but also increase agricultural productivity on both large industrial farms and subsistence farmers. In the long term, this will reduce dependence on food imports and create opportunities for Namibia to export food and fertilizers," noted Selma Ashipala-Musawyi.
The parties agreed to cooperate in developing sanitary and phytosanitary measures to facilitate the export of high-quality agricultural products from Namibia to Russia and called on the competent authorities of both countries to expedite the harmonization of certification requirements to develop trade opportunities.
Attention was paid to expanding cooperation in science and higher education. Specifically, the parties agreed to promote ties between scientific organizations in the two countries, including through the development of academic mobility, the implementation of educational programs and research projects, and the holding of relevant international exhibitions, conferences, and seminars.
Cooperation in healthcare and ensuring the sanitary and epidemiological well-being of the population was discussed separately. The meeting's agenda included aspects of cultural exchanges and military-technical cooperation.
The meeting summarized the results of the Russian-Namibian Business Forum, held as part of the 11th meeting of the Intergovernmental Russian-Namibian Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation. The event was organized at the suggestion of the Namibian side and on the instructions of Yuri Trutnev.
"The business forum brought together a broad circle of businesspeople who can give new impetus to the shared desire to strengthen bilateral cooperation and attract investment, and will take our interaction to a new level," said Selma Ashipala-Musavi.
"We hope that the business forum held on the sidelines of the meeting of the Intergovernmental Russian-Namibian Commission will mark a new stage in bilateral relations, and that our Russian colleagues and Namibian friends will find new opportunities for mutual cooperation, and we, in turn, have already promised to support them," emphasized Yuri Trutnev.
The Russian side invited the Namibian side to participate in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in June and the Eastern Economic Forum in September. The Namibian side accepted the invitation and is awaiting an official invitation through diplomatic channels.
"The development of trade and economic relations between our countries is an important factor in improving the lives of our peoples and strengthening peace and international stability," Yuri Trutnev concluded the meeting.
That same day, Yuri Trutnev discussed the results of the 11th meeting of the Intergovernmental Russian-Namibian Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation and future prospects for the development of bilateral relations with the President of the Republic of Namibia, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwai.
"I had the honor of previously working with Madam President of the Republic of Namibia, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwai, when she served as Co-Chair of the Intergovernmental Russian-Namibian Commission. I remember her determination and perseverance. I am confident that these qualities will be further developed during her tenure as President, benefiting the people of Namibia and helping to advance our bilateral relations. Madam President identified the development of the energy sector, increasing employment, and cooperation in agriculture as priorities for cooperation between our countries. And together with Co-Chair Selma Ashipala-Musavya, we will turn these aspirations into reality," Yuri Trutnev concluded.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.