WINDHOEK (AFP) – Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Thursday called for boosting trade ties with Namibia, at the start of the first-ever visit by a Kremlin chief to the southern African nation.
"We will develop our partnership with Africa," Medvedev said at the start of talks with his Namibian counterpart Hifikepunye Pohamba.
"We should promote activization of trade and economic ties," he said.
"The first visit of the Russian president should open a qualitatively new stage in our relations."
Pohamba said his nation was also keen to "strengthen our cooperation" and build a "durable economic partnership."
"We would like to secure access of our products to Russia," he said, urging Moscow to lower tariffs on metal and farm goods.
After their meeting, Medvedev said he had discussed expanding cooperation in energy, including on Namibia's vast uranium deposits.
The Russian leader is later scheduled to go to the Okapuka natural park, famous for its rhinos, giraffes and crocodiles.
Medvedev is making a four-nation tour across Africa, aiming at boosting energy ties with the continent. His final stop will be in Angola on Friday.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090625/ ... mibiarussiadiplomacytrade