Africa-Press – Namibia. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has tasked Namibia’s newly appointed High Commissioner to India to aggressively promote trade, investment and economic cooperation as the country pushes to accelerate development under Vision 2030.
The President on Monday commissioned Wing Commander (Rtd) Alex Tukuhupwele as Namibia’s High Commissioner to India, describing the appointment as an “assumption of national duty” at a decisive moment in Namibia’s development path. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Nandi-Ndaitwah said economic diplomacy must remain at the centre of Namibia’s foreign policy.
“You assume an office of immense responsibility, one that demands discipline, integrity, sound judgement and unwavering patriotism,” she said.
The President continued: “As you go forth, you are the face, the voice and the conscience of all Namibians. You are called upon to safeguard our national interests, advance our governmental priorities, and embody the values upon which the Republic of Namibia was founded.”
Nandi-Ndaitwah, a seasoned diplomat herself, went down memory lane, saying Namibia and India share longstanding relations dating back to the liberation struggle.
“During some of Namibia’s most difficult years, India stood firm alongside our people and was among the earliest advocates for our independence within the international community,” she said. She then referred to the 2025 visit to Namibia by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The visit, she said, catapulted Windhoek and New Delhi’s ties to even greater heights.
“As High Commissioner of Namibia to India, you are expected to champion effective implementation of the agreements concluded during this engagement and to actively identify new opportunities that give tangible benefit to the ordinary Namibian citizen,” she said.
She added that India’s advances in information technology, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, education and space science present valuable opportunities for collaboration aligned with Namibia’s national agenda.
With only a few years remaining before the target year of Vision 2030, the President said Namibia must intensify efforts to accelerate development under NDP6.
“Particular emphasis remains on indigenous agriculture and food security, youth employment, quality education and skilled job growth, sports and creative industries, health and social welfare, as well as land, housing and sanitation,” she said.
Accepting his marching orders, Tukuhupwele pledged to carry out his duties with utmost integrity and professionalism.
“I wholeheartedly accept this assignment and shall execute it to the best of my ability. I shall endeavour to carry out the duties and responsibilities entrusted to me with high integrity and diligence and execute functions in a timely, effective, and most professional manner,” he said.
He said he would build on the work of his predecessors and be guided by government policy in implementing his mandate.
“As a High Commissioner designate, I will not be starting by laying the foundation but by building on the blocks already started by my predecessors,” he said.
Tukuhupwele then thanked the president for the trust placed in him and pledged loyalty to the Constitution and the people of Namibia.
“I will be faithful to the Republic of Namibia, hold my office as High Commissioner with honour and dignity, uphold, protect and defend the Constitution, and serve the people of Namibia to the best of my ability,” he affirmed.
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