KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness has underscored Jamaica’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the African state of Namibia.

The Office of the Prime Minister, in a release today, said Holness made the commitment during bilateral talks yesterday with Namibian President Dr Hage Geingob, Holness stated that during the years of Namibia’s liberation struggle, the Government of Jamaica considered it a privilege and duty to support the liberation process.

“Today, we must build on these historical ties of friendship and solidarity to forge deeper bonds of cooperation for the well-being and prosperity for both our peoples,” Holness was quoted as saying.

Citing that bilateral relations were similarly strengthened back in 1995 when the then President of Namibia, Sam Nujoma visited Jamaica, Holness said that it is proof of the value and importance of “people to people connections in strengthening the relations between the two countries.”

Holness added that Jamaica and Namibia share similar development aspirations which are reflected in the respective Vision 2030 plans with specific focus on capacity building for national development.

The prime minister noted that in the context where trade and investment are significant drivers of economic growth, he believes it is important for both countries to strengthen ties in those areas.

“It is certainly my hope that this encounter will give impetus to our business and trade relations. I am pleased that our talks today will also set the stage for the pursuit of corporation in urban development as we give priority attention to making our cities human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. Indeed, I look forward to the twinning of our capital cities of Kingston and Windhoek and I am happy to note that discussions are at an advanced stage to this end,” said Holness.