Tunomukwathi Asino
3 June 2011
Windhoek — President Hifikepunye Pohamba in his capacity as SADC chairperson left for China yesterday on a trip intended to cement ties with one of the world’s economic superpowers that is traditionally an African ally.
Several ministers as well as one regional governor witnessed the President’s departure at the Hosea Kutako International Airport aboard the presidential jet.
Pohamba who is currently the chairman of the 15-member Southern African Development Community regional group was delegated by SADC to go to China to discuss cooperation between SADC member states and China.
On his agenda are economic and trade relations and to strengthen “already existing relations between SADC and China.”
He will meet leaders of the Chinese government and his Chinese counterpart President Hu Jintao.
The President will also have bilateral talks with the Chinese government, and business people from SADC member states.
Pohamba’s delegation includes Minister of Trade and Industry Dr Hage Geingob, Finance of Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, and the Minister of Works and Transport, Erkki Nghimtina.
From China the President will head to the SADC headquarters in Gaborone Botswana on June 6 to meet with political leaders of Madagascar, to discuss a road map towards a resolution to the crisis in that country.
Present at the airport yesterday to see off the President were Deputy Prime Minister Marco Hausiku, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Peya Mushelenga, the Minister of Presidential Affairs Dr. Albert Kawana, and Minister of Regional and Local Government, Housing and Rural Development Jerry Ekandjo as well as Karas Governor Clinton Swartbooi.
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Pohamba Off to China On SADC Business