Namibia and Portugal have renewed their Memoranda of Understanding, which expired in 2015. The two agreements are: the MoU on Portuguese language courses to be offered to Namibian Police officers and the introduction of Portuguese as a foreign language in the Namibian education system. The agreements were signed in the capital on Monday. International Relations and Co-operation Deputy Minister Maureen Hinda said the teaching of Portuguese is necessary for communication as Namibia is also home to Portuguese-speakers. Regarding the police training, she said it is also vital that the Namibian Police Force is able to effectively communicate in a language mostly understood by its co-operating countries, particularly in curbing crime. Hinda also stresses that the Memoranda of Understanding on Portuguese as a foreign language assumed greater importance and urgency, considering that Namibia is an observer member of the Community of Portuguese Speaking states. Outstanding agreements still under negotiation are on air transport, internal security, culture, education, science, sport, youth and the media. Another agreement is on employment of family members of diplomatic and consular personnel between Namibia and Portugal.