Maritime and port cooperation between the Republic of the Congo and Namibia is entering a new phase. In August, the Port Autonome de Pointe-Noire (PAPN) and the Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) strengthened their partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at PAPN headquarters in Pointe-Noire.
Congolese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francophonie and Congolese Abroad, Constant Mbounda, and Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, attended the signing ceremony.
The MoU sets out a framework for PAPN and Namport to strengthen their cooperation and share their respective expertise to support the development of their ports.
In his welcome address, Séraphin Bhalat, Director General of the Port Autonome de Pointe-Noire, welcomed the two ministers and highlighted the importance of the agreement. He outlined the main areas of cooperation covered by the MoU and said they would help strengthen ties between the two ports. Bhalat also noted that the agreement will allow both sides to exchange experience, technical knowledge, and best practices in port management.
The signing of the MoU formalised the commitment of the Port Autonome de Pointe-Noire and the Port of Walvis Bay to work together and strengthen their cooperation.
Under the agreement, both ports will work to improve cooperation and support regional integration and maritime trade along Africa’s Atlantic coast.
The MoU opens a new chapter in relations between PAPN and Namport. Both ports can now pursue joint initiatives to improve their performance, attractiveness, and competitiveness. The partnership could also create new opportunities for the maritime and port sector while strengthening ties between Congo and Namibia.
The presence of the Congolese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francophonie and Congolese Abroad, and Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Trade reflects the importance both countries attach to strengthening South-South cooperation.
source: maritimafrica.com
