Andreas Thomas
President Hage Geingob has called on Namibian ambassadors to not only sell the country to potential investors abroad, but to also defend it against attacks at all costs.
Speaking at the opening of the ninth Session of the Heads of Mission Conference yesterday, Geingob told the heads of the mission they are also expected to provide appropriate guidance to the Namibian people.
“Equally, when engaging with your interlocutors in the host state or countries of concurrent accreditations, negotiate better agreements that will impact the quality of life of Namibians,” he said.
“You must inform potential investors of the potential of our economy and the resilience of our people. When the government of the Republic of Namibia and its policies are attacked, you have a responsibility to use all possible avenues of communication to defend them. You also have a responsibility to champion, through effective communication and public diplomacy, the policies and doctrines of the government,” said the President.
He said the missions abroad play an important role in forging relationships, while simultaneously continuing to seek new opportunities.
“You must leave no stone unturned in search of new ways to grow trade, attract investment to Namibia and find a market for products made locally in Namibia,” he said.
The Head of State further reminded the heads of mission that the national interests of Namibia and the well-being of its people should be at the forefront of all their activities.
“Whatever you do as a Namibian ambassador must translate into tangible benefits for the Namibian people and contribute to our developmental agenda, as well as our quest to build a united, peaceful and prosperous Namibian House in which no one should feel left out. Therefore, the task ahead of you is clear,” he said.
President Geingob also told the ambassadors to acquaint themselves with the African Agenda 2063, adding that Africa remains a centrepiece of international relations policy.
“We have set ourselves an African agenda for 2063, which has several flagship programmes and projects. One of those flagship projects is the African Continental Free-Trade Area, which is a vehicle aimed at accelerating intra-African trade and boosting Africa’s trading position in the global market by strengthening Africa’s common voice and policy space in global trade negotiations,” he said. – Nampa