Staff Reporter

NAMIBIA is contemplating becoming a member of the United Nations (UN) Treaty on the Principles Governing the Activities of States within the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, together with the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies.

This was one of many matters Dr Peya Mushelenga, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, highlighted on the First Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, which befell this previous weekend in Sochi, Russia.

“Namibia’s 2021 Space Science and Technology Policy aligns with the UN Treaty on the Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies. Although our country is currently not a Member State of this Convention, we are actively considering membership. We welcome cooperation with African states and the Russian Federation in this regard,” Mushelenga stated.

In addition to discussions round peaceable area exploration, Mushelenga revealed that the discussion board addressed financial cooperation, counter-terrorism, and the creation of a good, equitable worldwide data safety system.

“Economic cooperation is essential for growth, especially during this era of the rise of the Global South. Therefore, Russia and Africa should promote economic partnerships to boost our mutual prosperity. Investment and trade volumes should increase to create more jobs for our peoples, including through the African Continental Free Trade Area, the world’s largest free-trade area,” the minister stated.

Mushelenga additionally drew consideration to biases within the world monetary and financial methods that drawback creating international locations, stressing the necessity for reforms rooted in fairness and equity. He additionally drew consideration to the terrorist actions within the jap Democratic Republic of the Congo, highlighting that Namibia will work with the Russian Federation and fellow African international locations to fight terrorism and violent extremism.

“We must not forget the people of Sudan and Palestine, including women and children, who have suffered for far too long. Thousands of innocent civilian lives have been lost, and the international community has an important role to play in ending the killings. We therefore call for immediate ceasefires and for sustained peace talks,” the minister added.

Mushelenga additionally advocated for future Russia-Africa partnership occasions to be held in coordination with the African Union (AU) to make sure illustration from all African nations.

“Western Sahara has been excluded from this current Partnership, which does not support African unity. Moreover, holding such a forum in partnership with the African Union would ensure continuity and follow-up on decisions taken. This First Foreign Ministers’ Meeting should therefore set a standard and encourage the full participation of all AU Member States in all sectoral meetings,” he stated.