Namibian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwa appealed to South Africa to help Namibia in the development of its recently discovered oil fields so that the country could benefit from its oil wealth, a local media Namibian Sun reported.
"Namibia recently discovered oil off the coast. This finding is commercially viable, and together with joint venture partners, Namibia is in the process of ascertaining the volume of the resources," she was quoted by the media as saying at the opening of the BNC.
Nandi-Ndaitwah also reportedly noted that the country is eager to learn best oil-producing practices.
"Namibia is at an advanced stage of developing local content policy for maximum benefit. In this regard, we are engaging oil-producing countries on the continent and beyond to learn from their best practices," the deputy prime minister revealed.
Last year, the discovery of considerable oil fields off the coast of Namibia was revealed by the oil companies Shell and Total, the media said. According to estimates, there are reportedly at least 11 billion barrels of light oil and up to 206.7 billion cubic meters of gas in the reserves of these fields.
In addition, South Africa's Agriculture Minister, Thoko Didiza highlighted that this discovery should prompt the two countries to continue to work together in the energy sector, the media noted.
"The recent discovery of oil and gas in Namibia should thrust us to conclude modalities for increased cooperation in energy and green hydrogen for mutual benefit. This important sector will potentially enhance regional economic growth and integration," the minister was cited by the outlet as saying.
Didiza added that this could be reached through "the implementation of sustainable developmental projects," according to the media.
Speaking about the third session of the BNC, taking place in Namibia, Namibian President Hage Geingob underlined that the results of the commission will facilitate the countries' partnership in numerous fields, including investment, tourism, energy and others.
"The recommendations and conclusions reached at the 3rd Bi-national Commission will certainly lead us to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, agriculture, water, tourism, energy and many more," the leader posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his turn, said on social networks regarding the issue that the economic ties between the two states, "although strong, needs to be substantially deepened," adding that the "vision for the bilateral relationship is to move it into a higher gear."