By Surihe Gaomas
WINDHOEK
Over the past 17 years the cordial bilateral relations that exist between Namibia and Indonesia have deepened while Namibia continues to draw inspiration from the affluent Southeast Asian nation.
With these words Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Lempy Lucas congratulated Indonesia on its 62nd independence anniversary at a well-attended function in Windhoek on Tuesday.
“As we share the joy with all Indonesians on this historic occasion, allow me to reiterate the desire of the Namibian Government and people to continue working towards further strengthening the existing relations between our two governments and peoples,” she said.
Addressing close to 300 dignitaries, Lucas said that Namibia stands ready to cooperate with Indonesia to reform the United Nations system, in particular the need to expand and democratise the United Nations Security Council.
She said through the New Asian-African Strategic partnership, the two countries should aim to increase trade between each other by sharing best practices and experiences towards achieving economic growth and sustainable development.
Lucas said that Namibia is also looking forward to participate actively in the forthcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference to be held in Indonesia in December this year.
A high-level delegation will also be sent to the Second Conference of State Parties of the UN Convention Against Corruption in Indonesia in 2008.
Since 1990, Namibia and Indonesia have solidified technical ties with regard to the Asian country assisting especially community-based programmes.
In June this year, Namibian textile business people benefited from the textile exhibition that was organised by the Indonesian Embassy.
Lucas is hopeful that “an exchange of textile know-how and ideas will take place between our young Namibian Kalahari Wild Silk company and Indonesia, which is known for its longstanding textile tradition”.
Within the framework of this partnership Lucas encouraged the public, private sector institutions and civil society to join hands to make this a success.
“We should encourage the active participation of women, youth, students academics, artists, scientists and innovators on both our continents,” she said.
Speaking at the same occasion, Charg