WINDHOEK, July 22 (Xinhua) -- In the aftermath of tropical cyclones that caused havoc in the southern Africa region this year, a Namibian official believes it is time that the entire region fully implement the Paris Climate Agreement.
Speaking Monday at the 9th session of the Namibia-Zimbabwe Joint Permanent Commission Cooperation in Windhoek, Executive Director at the Ministry of International Relations Selma Ashipala Musavyi said the fact that the region had been hit by the "worst natural disasters seen in our lifetime" was testament in itself that climate change is real.
"Our region has recently been hit by climate disasters, the worst we have seen in our lifetime. Most (SADC) member states have declared national disaster emergencies due to devastating floods and drought. In this regard, we extend our solidarity towards the devastation caused by Cyclone Idai."
She reiterated that Namibia's president Hage Geingob, in his capacity as SADC chairperson, had launched a regional appeal in aid of the victims of Cyclone Idai and Kenneth, before issuing a clarion call to member states to honour their commitments.
"It is time to call for the full implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement, and for all state parties to honour their commitments particularly to small states that are at the receiving end of climate calamities." she said.
The 9th Session of the Namibia-Zimbabwe Joint Commission of Cooperation will gather officials from the two southern African countries to discuss issues of mutual concern and interest.
