By Alpha Abu
Visiting President of Namibia, Dr. Hage Gottfried Geingob has reminisced moments of his country’s struggle for independence during which time Sierra Leone became a haven and centre of learning for a good number of his compatriots, two of whom are today Prime Minister and Foreign Minister in the Southern African nation.
The Namibian leader who arrived over the weekend with his wife Monica Geingos told a news conference hosted by the two leaders at State Lodge in Freetown on Saturday that those Namibian students were not just confined to hostels but stayed with Sierra Leonean families.
President Geingob also recalled how he also at some point carried a Sierra Leonean passport which saved him the embarrassment of refused entry when travelling within Africa.
He said both Namibia and Sierra Leone should come together to address issues that affect the two nations, and cooperate especially in the mining and agricultural sectors.
He said they were heartened by the warm reception accorded them which he described as typically the African way.
President Bio in his statement also spoke about the bond between Sierra Leone and Namibia during the latter’s liberation struggle. He said President had severally been to Sierra Leone in the past not in the capacity as head of state, and was no stranger to the country.
President Bio spoke highly of Namibia’s strong progress in not just mining but also in fishery and the meat industry,and described the visit as a way of reconnecting the two African countries. He said the two states can also continue to discuss how to enhance the campaign for Sierra Leone’s quest for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
Also Foreign Minister, Professor David Francis told journalists of ongoing discussions on strengthening bilateral relations and of a pending visit he will make to Namibia in February next year, that is expected to culminate into formalisation of a Joint-Cooperation between the two nations.
Prof. Francis said Sierra Leone leads the African Union Committee of Ten or C10 charged with the mandate of leading advocacy for Reforms within the UN Security Council which Namibia is an integral part of its support . The foreign minister also spoke about the strong chemistry that has developed between First Lady Fatima Bio and her Namibian counterpart Monica Geingos which he said germinated from the multi-lateral meetings both women have over time attended.
Namibia gained independence from white South Africa rule in 1990 after a bitter armed struggle. The revolutionary Sam Nujoma became the president of a free Namibia and served for three terms-1990 to 2005.
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