SA, Namibia discuss gas-field project

South Africa’s President Thabo Mbeki held talks with his Namibian counterpart, Hifikepunye Pohamba, in Windhoek on Tuesday on a visit designed to boost cross-border trade and cooperation in the energy sector.

The proposed development of Namibia’s offshore Kudu gas-field project and electricity imports that Namibia receives from South Africa were among the topics in the initial round of discussions, Windhoek government sources said.

The two presidents witnessed the signing of three agreements, one on investment promotion and reciprocal investment protection, cooperation in the fields of home affairs and immigration, and on diplomatic consultations.

Mbeki also handed over records of birth, death and marriage records of Namibian nationals, kept by the South African government up to now, to Pohamba. The former South West Africa was ruled by South Africa for 70 years until 1989.

During his two-day visit, Mbeki is also expected to address a joint session of Parliament, lay a wreath at the Heroes’ Acre and meet former president Sam Nujoma.

Mbeki and Pohamba are due on Wednesday to co-chair an international investor conference in Windhoek, to be attended by 500 participants.—AFP