WINDHOEK – President Hifikepunye Pohamba has called on Namibian diplomats to work hard in order to attract more direct foreign investment to Namibia that will in turn create much-needed jobs.

Addressing the ten newly appointed heads of mission on Wednesday, Pohamba said he believes foreign investment can lead to setting up industries that create employment opportunities, add value to the country’s natural resources and facilitate the transfer of technology to accelerate the further industrialisation of the country’s economy.

The President says when the country is confronted by a high level of unemployed, poverty and drought, Namibian envoys must work hard to help the country in addressing such challenges.

“You should market and promote Namibian products and services in different parts of the word,” he implored the ambassadors-designate and high commissioners-designate at State House.

He said diplomats are the mirrors that reflect the image of the country to the outside world, and it is vital that they must, at all times promote and live by the values of dignity, hard work and confidence.

“Among these are the maintenance of a policy of non-alignment, the promotion of international co-operation, global peace and security, respect for international law and treaty obligations and the settlement of international disputes by peaceful means,” stated the Head of State. The President said he wants the diplomats to promote such principles as the country’s contribution to the maintenance of world peace and security.

Speaking on behalf of the commissioned heads of mission, High Commissioner-Designate to the Federal Republic of Nigeria Dr Peingeondjabi Shipoh said the group has accepted the task with humility and deep sense of responsibility to be exemplary in the performance of their duties.

Shipoh pledged that they are ready to serve, and will put the interest of Namibia first.

The ten new heads of mission were accompanied by their spouses and family members. The Minister of Foreign Affairs Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah administered the oath. High-ranking government officials and members of the diplomatic corps attended the ceremony.

By Tonateni Shidhudhu