Geingob sets high expectations for new ambassadors

WINDHOEK, 26 NOV  – President Hage Geingob expects Namibia to gain more trading partners through the work of the newly appointed diplomats set to represent the country in 14 different countries.

Speaking at State House on Monday, Geingob called on the new diplomatic missions to find niche markets for Namibia’s organic and natural products and improve the country’s global rankings in tourism.

“Know your country’s statistics – if asked what your Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is – you must know it like you know your name,” he said.

Geingob advised that they should maintain good character and integrity, while consistently upholding the honour and good reputation of the country.

The new ambassadors are also expected to inform their host countries of the economic activities and opportunities available in Namibia regularly, the Head of State pointed out.

He said he had confidence that the appointed missions would carry out their duties in a manner fully acceptable to the leadership of their host countries, adding that they had also made a public commitment to uphold and defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country at all times.

“You have made a vow to promote, protect, and place Namibia’s national interest above all else,” he noted.
The 14 new diplomats appointed are high commissioners Asser Kapere, who has been assigned to Botswana, Gabriel Sinimbo (India), Linda Scott (Britain and North Ireland) and Haindongo Siyave (Zambia).

Meanwhile, Clemens Kashuupulwa was appointed as ambassador designate to Russia, Samuel /Goagoseb (Cuba), Patric Nandago (Angola), George Liswaniso (Sweden), Albertus !Aochamub (France), Morven Luswenyo (Japan), Simeon Uulenga (Democratic Republic of Congo) and Nada Kruger (Austria).

Emilia Mkusa and Penda Naanda were appointed as permanent representatives to the African Union (AU) and United Nations Office of Geneva and Other International Organisations in Switzerland respectively.
The 14 commissioned diplomats will serve for a five-year tenure. – NAMPA