It is necessary to review G7 sanctions against Russian precious stones, Namibia's Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, said.
According to him, the restrictive measures would have a negative economic impact on African diamond-producing countries, including Namibia.
"This will infringe on our sovereign right to manage our diamond trade and will cause blockages and delays that will entail additional costs," the minister was quoted by the local media The Namibian as saying.
In addition to the G7, the European Union will also stop importing Russian diamonds starting January 1, according to the 12th package of EU sanctions published on December 18. Since March 2022, non-industrial Russian diamonds have been subject to US sanctions.
The Kremlin, in turn, noted that it has "options" to circumvent the diamond industry sanctions and will apply them.