By: Hertha Ekandjo
International relations and cooperation minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, says that Namibia has benefited tremendously from the cooperation and support of the European Union (EU) and its member states.
She said this followed the prompt response to providing material support and donations received bilaterally and through the EU civil protection and mechanism.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said this on Wednesday during the EU-Namibia political dialogue in Windhoek.
“This support strengthened our health system to fight against the pandemic effectively. This is indeed a clear demonstration that multilateralism and bilateral cooperation are avenues through which we can explore a mutually beneficial relationship,”
She said Namibia would continue to commit itself to this type of cooperation.
The minister noted that she hoped that the EU and its member states would extend their support to strengthen cooperation between European countries and Namibia further as it looks forward to economic recovery.
She added that the EU states remained amongst Namibia’s major trading partners, particularly in mining, fishing, agriculture and machinery.
Nandi-Ndaitwah invited the EU to explore ways for further developmental value chains in Namibia to add value to goods in the country and to help create sustainable jobs.
“It is not a secret that unemployment, particularly among our young people, is high in our country, and together with you, as our economic partners, we should work together to ensure job creation in our countries,” said the minister.
Moreover, she noted that this added advantage to the manufacturing and production of goods in Namibia.
As you produce, we will be able to reach a market of about 1.3 billion duty-free across the continent under the African continent free trade area.
Furthermore, she said European companies could expand their businesses to reach the new African market.
“I was informed that negotiations will commence in the near future for a specific protocol on women and youth in trade and digital trade under the African continental free trade area. This initiative deserves our utmost support,” Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasised.
She said the interest in strengthening cooperation in green and renewable hydrogen was a welcomed development.
“Namibia has one of the best conditions for producing the green hydrogen energy source”.
“We invite European companies to work with us, to develop a fully functioning green hydrogen value chain in Namibia, covering production, distribution, storage and the local use of green hydrogen,” noted Nandi-Ndaitwah.
European Union ambassador to Namibia Sinikka Antila said that through their programme on Enhanced Participatory Democracy, to provide tools and education for young people to grow into responsible citizens, aware of their potential contribution to a better future for themselves, their country and the planet.
“Next month, we shall also meet with the Namibian youth delegates to COP27 to exchange with them on key challenges and opportunities they could identify from their youth perspective,” said Antila.
She noted that democracy, peace and security were all essential elements for development, but there was a need for cultural expressions, exchange and strengthening of cultural identities.
Antila added that the EU would support culture with the European Film Festival kicking off this week and the Otjomuise’s Live Arts Festival in October this year.
“There’s been a lot of work going into preparations of our regional programme supporting creative industries/culture, and we’re hopeful for a substantial engagement with Namibia,” she expressed
