UK Minister for Africa finishes four day visit to Namibia
UK Minister for Africa finishes his visit to Namibia and highlights the excellent bilateral ties between the UK and Namibia
UK Minister for Africa, Mark Simmonds, being welcomed by Namibia's Prime Minister, Right Hon. Hage Geingob
The UK’s Minister for Africa, Mark Simmonds, has completed his four day visit to Namibia. This was his first visit to the Country. During the visit, Mr Simmonds helped launched the G8 led Anti-Money Laundering/Countering Financing of Terrorism Public Private Dialogue, in Swakopmund, with a well received speech highlighting the importance of African countries developing strong and integrated financial systems, to fight money laundering and support sustainable economic growth. Mr Simmonds commented that: ‘It is good to see such substantial engagement from African and G8 countries and the private sector. Robust, responsive financial systems are key to unlocking Africa’s substantial economic potential. I am glad that the UK is leading support for policy development in Africa in this area.’
Before he left Namibia, Mr Simmonds said: ‘I am delighted to have had the opportunity to visit Namibia. My visit has demonstrated the strength and depth of UK-Namibian relations. I look forward to those relations being further strengthened in the future.’’
During his visit, Mr Simmonds met with the Namibian Prime Minister Hage Geingob and Foreign Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. One of the top discussion points during Mr Simmonds meetings with the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister was the importance of boosting bilateral trade and investment. Mr Simmonds commented that: ‘With its strong economic growth and political stability, Namibia presents many opportunities for UK investors, especially in the extractives, services and tourism sectors. When I return to the UK, I will be highlighting to UK businesses the positive investment climate in Namibia.’
Mr Simmonds also discussed with the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister the situation in eastern DRC; climate change; how the UK could help support the drought in northern Namibia; and the recent elections in Zimbabwe.