Harare — ZIMBABWE has commended Namibia for the support it rendered to the nation at the height of Western powers' aggression in which they were pushing for regime change in the country.

Foreign Affairs Minister Simbarashe Mumbe-ngegwi said this during the official opening of the fifth session of the Zimbabwe-Namibia Joint Commission in Harare yesterday.

"May I, at the outset, convey my Government's most sincere appreciation for the steadfast support and solidarity extended by the Government and people of Namibia when Zimbabwe was under attack from some Western countries.

"Our close relations are indeed based on a shared history of common struggle against colonialism, imperialism and foreign domination. Through this support, Namibia has proved that it is not only a staunch ally but also an all-weather friend," he said.

Minister Mumbengegwi commended Namibia and other Sadc member-states for facilitating the signing of the Global Political Agreement between Zanu-PF and the two MDC formations.

"It is through the unflinching support and patient facilitation of Namibia and other countries in the region that the main political parties in Zimbabwe were able to sign the GPA leading to the formation of the inclusive Government," he said.

The minister, however, said while the socio-economic conditions had generally improved in the country, Western powers continued with their hostile approach meant to destabilise the inclusive Government.

The recent "disengagement" from Government by the MDC-T has been cited as an example of Western countries' continued meddling in the internal affairs of the country.

Minister Mumbengegwi also commended the bilateral relations between the two countries as seen in co-operation in the areas of energy, agriculture and education among others.

Namibia's power utility, Nam-Power assisted with the refurbishment of the Hwange Power Station for the benefit of the two countries.

"The Government of Zimbabwe is grateful to the Government of the Republic Namibia for the special offer of the Dry Port Facility at Walvis Bay," he said. The facility is aimed at enhancing trade between the two countries.

Namibian Foreign Affairs Minister Marco Hausiku said there was need for the two countries to fully exploit their resources for the betterment of their people.

"We must re-invest in our natural resources and assist our people to become agents of their own economic growth," he said.

Minister Hausiku also called for the relaxation of trading conditions between Zimbabwe and Namibia. He commended Zimbabwe for supporting Namibia in education even when the country was facing difficulties.

Since 2005 about 741 Namibian students have graduated from Zimbabwe's tertiary institutions.

The fifth Joint Commission is negotiating for agreements in trade and commerce, agriculture, energy, transport, environment and tourism among others.