By Charles Tjatindi
Windhoek
France will continue to support development programmes in Namibia to the tune of more than 120 million euros over the next five years.
Visiting French Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Responsible for Cooperation and Francophony, Jean-Marie Bockel, revealed this at a reception held in his honour in the capital this week.
Bockel said his country would assist Namibia with programmes in the education sector, governance, and by supporting the effectiveness of various institutions for human rights such as the Office of the Ombudsman.
Said Bockel: “Consistent with our desire to focus on the future, we will provide our support wherever we can contribute to build Namibia’s capacities to move forward and in sectors where we are renowned for our know-how.”
The French minister said France would further its support to local cultures and the teaching of the French language in Namibia through the Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre.
“I would like to acknowledge the gauntlet of foreign adventure Namibia has taken upon itself, of discovery of the world and of being receptive to other cultures.”
The Director of the National Planning Commission, Helmut Angula, said the Namibian Government welcomes the initiative of the French cooperation to encourage the development of local cultures. He noted that Namibia appreciates the proposal by the French to assist the national broadcaster, the NBC, to adapt programmes to meet the demands of viewers and to support local cultures.
The Namibia-France Cooperation as outlined in the Partnership Framework Document would focus on infrastructure development, environmental protection, good governance, and the promotion of cultural diversity among others.
France is the largest contributor to the Global Fund, and has contributed about N$300 million to support HIV/AIDS related issues.
Cabinet Ministers, members of the Diplomatic Corps and local usinesspeople attended the event.