Consolato Onorario di Namibia in Italia

Namibia has recorded a significant increase in international tourist arrivals, having recorded 7.6 percent in 2014 when more than 1.4 million people visited the country, compared to 1.3 million recorded in 2013, according to Environment and Tourism Minister Pohamba Shifeta.The country also ranked number five on 2015 Buzzfeed’s list of 20 most beautiful countries in the world, alongside South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania.

The country has been awarded various accolades by tourism-based organization’s as having the fastest growing tourism industry in the world and the premiere destination to travel in with children.

The European Union and Namibia have wrapped up negotiations for the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), and are expected to sign the agreement later this year as the EU builds on its involvement with Namibia. This was revealed by the Head of the EU Delegation to Namibia, Ambassador Raúl Fuentes Milani at a reception marking the European Day celebrations held at the EU Residence in Windhoek on Friday last week.

“We have finalised negotiations and are ready to sign sometime this year,” said Milani adding that the cooperation, once officially announced, would “open a new page in economic relations.” The EU and Namibia, together with other SADC countries, have been negotiating the EPA since 2007, and although initialised, Namibia is one of the countries that have not signed the EPA citing differences on key issues of export taxes, safeguarding measures on agricultural products and rules of origin.

“The idea is to change the current situation, based on un-bilateral concessions by the EU, into a bilateral understanding,” said Milani on the new direction of the EPA. Despite economic and trade agreements, the EU head says there is a lot of scope for cooperation on issues of international relations, as many of the goals that Namibia aim for in international relations are also in the EU’s focus.

It gives me great pleasure to see so many of you from so many different nations as well as our citizens from all corners of the Land of the Brave. I bid you all a hearty welcome.

“This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.”

This day would not have come about without the committed leadership legacy left by those before me. Permit me to start with my mentor, Founding Father of the Nation, Comrade Sam Shafiishuuna Nujoma. He is an icon of Namibia’s struggle for Independence and a man who brought peace to a nation that was tired of war.

This foundation was solidified by former President Hifikepunye Pohamba who from our first meeting in 1962 until today when his term ends, has walked a path destined for leadership. It came as no surprise to Namibians that he is this year’s winner of the Mo Ibrahim Prize for African Leadership, as the prize was confirmation of what we in Namibia already knew that our President was deserving of local and international accolade.

I cannot leave out the two former First Ladies, Madam Penehupifo Pohamba and Madam Kovambo Nujoma. Thank you for mothering Namibia. You hold a special place in our hearts and stir our emotions when your names are mentioned. I would like to thank the rank and file of the SWAPO Party for working tirelessly and selflessly to ensure electoral victory for the SWAPO Party and its Presidential candidate in last year’s elections.

I thank the people of Namibia for having given me a clear mandate so that today, I can stand in front of the world to take this oath. I take this oath on behalf of all Namibians and promise to serve all Namibians without exception. No Namibian must feel left out. You exhibited your patience and patriotism by enduring extreme conditions in order to cast your first electronic ballot. It is that same commitment that brings you to this stadium and for that, I thank you. I have of often said that Namibia is a Child of International Solidarity, friend to all and enemy to none. Twenty-five years ago, our struggle for the independence of our country was concluded.

The illustrious sons and daughters of Namibia fought the battle for Namibia’s emancipation on many fronts. I would also like to thank all of our visiting Heads of State and international visitors, who have come out in large numbers, for your solidarity. It would take me all day to describe the role either you or the country you represent has played in the past and present.