President Hifikepunye Pohamba yesterday welcomed his counterpart Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe to Namibia, during the Togolese leader's first ever visit to the country.

Pohamba, who was visibly pleased to receive his brother-president, informed the auspicious visitors that the two countries share a common history, since imperialist Germany occupied both countries. This, Pohamba said, had a negative impact on both societies. He expressed appreciation for the support and solidarity that the government and people of Togo rendered to Namibians during the national liberation struggle against apartheid colonialism.

"Your visit presents us with an opportunity to strengthen bilateral co-operation between our two countries," Pohamba said. He proposed that the two countries consider co-operation in infrastructure development, transportation, agriculture, fisheries, tourism and education, adding that trade and commerce could become the cornerstone of successful bilateral relations between the two nations.

"Our two countries could therefore reap dividends from increased cooperation in trade and the promotion of investments in various sectors of our respective economies," said Pohamba.

President Gnassingbe agreed with Pohamba, saying although the two countries belong to two different economic blocks, a cooperation agreement between the two is highly feasible and would be successful.

Gnassingbe also briefed Pohamba on the social convulsions and unrest that West Africa is experiencing, especially in the countries of Mali and Nigeria.