Namibia–Russia Intergovernmental Commission Opens 11th Session in Windhoek

Namibia–Russia Intergovernmental Commission Opens 11th Session in Windhoek. The 11th Session of the Namibia–Russia Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) officially commenced on 15 March 2026 in Windhoek with the Senior Officials Session, co-chaired by Ms. Ndiitah Nghipondoka–Robiati, Executive Director in the Ministry of International Relations and Trade, and Mr. Pavel Kalmychek, Director of the Department for Bilateral Cooperation Development at the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Nghipondoka–Robiati recalled commitments made during the 10th Session, where both governments agreed to strengthen collaboration across a wide range of sectors including trade and investment, geology, agriculture, fisheries, mining, energy, health, transport and aviation, and culture. “It is my firm conviction that the successful outcomes of those sessions will continue to inspire us towards even greater achievements, for the mutual benefit of our peoples,” she said.

She urged senior officials to redouble efforts to resolve outstanding matters and to craft concrete, practical, and forward-looking plans of action to present to the principals.

The Senior Officials Session serves as a preparatory platform for the Ministerial Session, providing an opportunity to review progress in implementing agreements and to assess cooperation in key sectors. Deliberations will focus on matters of mutual interest, with the aim of laying solid groundwork for the next stage of discussions.

The Ministerial Session is scheduled for 16 March 2026 and will be co-chaired by Hon. Amb. Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Minister of International Relations and Trade of Namibia, and H.E. Yury Trutnev, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Plenipotentiary Presidential Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District.

The 11th Session of the Namibia–Russia IGC underscores the importance of sustained dialogue and cooperation in advancing bilateral relations and supporting shared development goals.