Windhoek
Egyptian Ambassador to Namibia Mahmoud Fawzy Abou Dounya yesterday reminisced about the July 23, 1952 revolution in Egypt that inspired international liberation movements to fight against colonialism.
He said the 1952 revolution had a profound impact as it sought to eliminate colonialism towards social justice and a genuine democratic life in Africa.
“The success of the Egyptian Revolution of 1952 had a huge impact on countries in Africa and around the world, since it inspired the oppressed people,” Dounya informed diplomats and guests that attended the Egyptian national day that marked the 64th anniversary of the July 1952 revolution.
“(The) July 23 revolution faced many challenges and obstacles created by some foreign powers, but it emerged from those confrontations stronger and more determined to achieve its goals. As you know, the pathway of revolution was deviated to the wrong direction for some time, but it was corrected by the uprising of the people of Egypt in two great consecutive revolutions – on 25th of January 2011 and 30th of June 2013. A new roadmap of three phases for the New Egypt was drawn after the 30th of June, 2013, all of which have been achieved,” he said.
Since Egypt became an independent state in 1922 it was and remains an active and sincere partner to all peace-loving nations around the world, he added.
“This is a fact that is being confirmed every day in our bilateral relations and in international and regional organizations. Electing Egypt recently as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, and as a member of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, are just two examples of the confidence and respect that the international community feels towards Egypt, a country with a rich and long history and policies based on ethical principles, justice, mutual respect and mutual benefit.”
“As for Egypt’s bilateral relations with Namibia, I say that those relations are historical. The liberation of Africa made back in the 50’s and 60’s was one of Egypt’s main goals. Cairo was the home of Africa’s liberation movements, hosting and training African freedom fighters and supplying them with arms and ammunition,” he said.
“This is a history that we proudly shared with Namibia when Egypt hosted the first Swapo office in Ahmed Hishmat St, Zamalek, Cairo, forming in Egypt the 1st Swapo military battalion, and along came the diplomatic support till achieving the independence of Namibia,” he said.
On the two countries’ bilateral relations he was of the view they are moving steadily and in the right direction.
“For example, in November 2015 a memorandum of understanding in the field of tourism was signed between our two countries. And as I mentioned last year, the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development continues to extend its offers to the Namibian youth to attend training courses, seminars and workshops in all fields of life.”
Morven Luswenyo, a director at the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, stated: “The July 23rd revolution in the Arab Republic of Egypt is not just a holiday but a symbol of freedom, unity, solidarity and a promising future for all the people of Egypt.”
“Namibia remains indebted to the people of the Arab Republic of Egypt for the significant role they played in supporting Swapo Party during Namibia’s struggle for freedom and independence,” he said.
Luswenyo noted that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries tremendous opportunities have been created to enhance trade and investment between the two.
Dounya proposed a toast to the good health of President Hage Geingob and his Egyptian counterpart Abdelfattah Alsisi and equally for the prosperity and welfare of the people of Namibia and Egypt.