US ambassador to Namibia Lisa Johnson this week paid a farewell call to President Hage Geingob at State House. 

“I am here today to thank you so much for your support, and for your strong Namibia-United States relations during my time here and even before,” she said during the visit.

Johnson told Geingob that she would talk about the support the US wants to provide on Covid-19. Namibia has been hit by a deadly third wave. 

“I just want to offer my condolences to everyone who has lost someone they love, and to wish a speedy recovery for all Namibians,” she noted.

Johnson returns to Washington DC in a few days after serving three and a half years. She reflected on her time in the country, stating that the work in the embassy will continue with her strong team of professionals, until the new ambassador arrives.

“I think we have achieved a lot,” she said on the topic of global health, adding that most recently, they were helping and supporting Namibia through the terrible wave of Covid-19 and HIV/AIDS. The trade on beef, beer and charcoal is another milestone, adding that she will be using the latter “for my braais back home”. 

“It was a pleasure to have you here. I think you enjoyed your stay here; you were very active. You are not going to forget us when you go back. When we have problems, we can call on you because you know the place,” Geingob responded.

Johnson shared that she had both her vaccine doses, and that the US has delivered almost three billion doses worldwide. “The vaccines are safe, they are effective, they will keep you out of hospital and keep you from dying. They will help protect the people you love,” she continued. The ambassador said she would leave Namibians with one message, “please get vaccinated as soon as possible”.

Before the closed-door meeting commenced, Johnson thanked all Namibian people who had warmly welcomed her, and who made her feel at home during her term. 

“Thank you very much for being part of us with your team,” said Geingob.