WINDHOEK: The European Union on Wednesday said it welcomes Namibia’s signing of the New Partnership Agreement (NPA) between the EU and the Organisation of Africa, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), also known as the ‘Samoa Agreement.’

Namibia signed the NPA on 18 December 2023 in Brussels, Belgium.

‘We are very pleased to see Namibia join the large and diverse group of Africa, Caribbean and Pacific States in a new partnership with the European Union and EU Member States,’ EU Ambassador to Namibia, Ana Beatriz Martins said in a press statement.

According to Martins, the Samoa Agreement provides a solid foundation and continuity to the longstanding partnership between Namibia and the EU.

‘We look forward to enhancing our cooperation in areas of common interest, from the global fight against climate change and political and security to the promotion of inclusive green growth. We are committed to focus on the implementation of the EU-Namibia Strategic Partnership on Green Hydrogen and Critical Raw Material
s value chains with the Global Gateway Instrument and Team Europe Initiative, to generate more jobs and prosperity,’ the ambassador added.

The EU-OACPS agreement signed in Samoa on 15 November 2023 succeeds the Cotonou Agreement (2000-2023). It is reportedly the largest and most comprehensive partnership agreement worldwide, bringing together states from four continents – the EU, Africa, Caribbean and Pacific States – to provide a platform for dialogue and cooperation around shared priorities and interests in multilateral and regional issues.
Source: The Namibia Press Agency