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Namibia’s growing importance in regional maritime security and international naval cooperation was highlighted this week following the visit of the Brazilian Navy’s Ocean Patrol Vessel OPV Araguari to Walvis Bay.

The Brazilian vessel concluded a four-day port call before participating in joint naval exercises with the Namibian Navy flagship, Namibian Ship NS Elephant, in Namibian territorial waters on 14 and 15 May. The exercises focused on enhancing interoperability, operational coordination and maritime security cooperation between the two nations.

The visit comes at a significant moment, as the South Atlantic Zone of Peace and Cooperation, ZOPACAS, marks its 40th anniversary in 2026. Namibia, a long-standing member of the organisation, continues to play a strategic role in promoting peace, maritime security and regional cooperation across the South Atlantic.

Speaking during the visit, Commander Anselmo Azevedo da Silva of the Brazilian Navy described Namibia as a key partner in South Atlantic cooperation.

“The ship’s visit to Namibia was timely for strengthening the long-standing Naval Cooperation Agreement in force between Brazil and Namibia, and due to the high quality of logistical support provided by the port of Walvis Bay,” he said.

The visit also reaffirmed the close historical relationship between Namibia and Brazil, particularly in defence and naval development. Since Namibia’s independence in 1990, Brazil has played an important role in supporting the establishment and professional development of the Namibian Navy through training programmes, technical cooperation and military exchanges.

Walvis Bay’s strategic location and modern port infrastructure have increasingly positioned Namibia as a maritime hub for regional and international naval operations.

The Araguari, operating under the command of the Brazilian Navy’s 3rd Naval District, departed Brazil in April to participate in the multinational maritime exercise OBANGAME EXPRESS 2026 / GUINEX VI in the Gulf of Guinea, as well as in celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy.

The multinational exercise aims to strengthen cooperation against piracy, illegal fishing, drug and arms trafficking, kidnapping and other transnational crimes affecting African and South Atlantic waters.

Although Namibia lies outside the Gulf of Guinea region, its inclusion in the Brazilian ship’s itinerary reflects the country’s increasing diplomatic and strategic relevance within South Atlantic security structures.

During the visit, Brazilian officials also engaged with Namibian diplomatic, civilian and military leaders through a series of events coordinated by Brazil’s Defence Attaché Office in Namibia. The joint exercises between NS Elephant and OPV Araguari are expected to further deepen bilateral defence relations and contribute to ongoing efforts to maintain peace and stability in the South Atlantic region.