By Tumaole Mohlaoli

WINDHOEK, Neighbours South Africa and Namibia have recommitted themselves to strengthening bilateral economic and political relations following a meeting here between President Jacob Zuma and his Namibian counterpart, President Hage Geingob.

President Zuma is on a whirlwind bilateral tour of three Southern African Customs Union (SACU) member States this week, reiterated here Tuesday that South Africa remained committed to the world’s oldest Customs union, despite the country calling for its revenue-sharing formulaa to be re-looked.

Although diplomatic relations remain as cordial as ever between the southern African neighbours, discussions around the Customs union revenue-sharing formula remain a sore sticking point for Namibia.

President Zuma has been touring SACU member states in a bid to re-assure them that South Africa’s proposals for a rethink of the Customs tariff-sharing formula will not threaten the existence of the world’s oldest Customs union.

Some of the SACU member States are heavily reliant on the Customs revenues gained from export and import taxes placed on goods entering and exiting South Africa.

President Zuma said lasting solutions could only be found through dialogue. His Namibian counterpart remained hopeful a mutually beneficial agreement could be reached.

President Zuma, who arrived here Monday eveing, earlier visited Botswana and will also travel to Lesotho for consultations on matters related to the SACU.

SOURCE: SABC