Africa-Press – Namibia. Former president Nangolo Mbumba has called for stronger collaboration between Spain and Africa.
He said the two can achieve more through mutual respect, inclusive development and shared goals.
He was speaking at the launch of the High-Level Advisory Council on the Spain-Africa Strategy 2025-2028 in Madrid last Thursday. Mbumba said the initiative marked a new chapter in the relationship between the two regions.
“This launch of the High-Level Advisory Council is thus a testimony of a maturing partnership, built on strong historic foundations and primed to enter a new era defined by the pursuit of mutually beneficial development,” he said.
He noted that Africa has transformed from a continent fighting for independence into one focused on development, guided by the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
“Africa has gone through a period of rapid transformation, transitioning from the era of fighting for independence into the era of pursuing social and economic development. The African Agenda 2063 encapsulates the ambitions of this New Africa – The Africa We Want,” he stated.
While calling for unity, Mbumba reminded the audience of an African proverb.
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,” he said.
He added: “We therefore believe that together, Spain and Africa can go far in achieving the goals and ideals of our respective peoples”.
Mbumba welcomed Spain’s commitment to the continent through the Spain-Africa Strategy.
He said it offers “a tremendous opportunity” to strengthen ties in trade, migration, security, climate change and cultural exchange.
“In the context of advancing Spain-Africa relations, the introduction by the Spanish government of the Spain-Africa Strategy 2025-2028 is a highly welcomed initiative that will expand the scope of our collaboration by consolidating diplomatic relations, promoting inclusive development, building bridges between societies and promoting inclusion and human rights,” he remarked.
He praised Spain’s willingness to play a more active role on the continent.
“We commend Spain for its clear intent to play a more prominent role in supporting development in Africa, at all levels, through this multifaceted strategy,” Mbumba said.
Representing Namibia on the Council, he reaffirmed the country’s commitment to making the strategy a success.
“Namibia reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that the desired outcomes of this strategy will be achieved,” he said.
He encouraged wider European support, saying that “we hope the rest of our European Union partners will follow suit and seek to work towards greater and more comprehensive partnerships with Africa at all levels”.
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