Namibia, a beacon of hope and motivation not only for the African continent, but also the world: Mukherjee

Windhoek (Namibia) : Indicating that his first visit to Namibia as the President of India was taking place at time when bilateral relations between the two countries were excellent and of great value to New Delhi, Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday said the India-Namibia relationship has been built on a "firm foundation of mutual trust and understanding.

Addressing the Namibian Parliament in the presence of National Assembly Speaker Peter H. Katjavivi, National Council Chairperson Madame Margareth Mensah-Williams, Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, Leader of Opposition McHenry Venaani and Members of Parliament this afternoon, President Mukherjee said, "Our two nations are bound by our common experience of colonial rule and the struggle of our people for freedom. India was proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with the leaders and people of Namibia in their liberation struggle.

We were among the first nations to raise the question of Namibian independence in the UN. It was India that inscribed on the agenda of the UN general Assembly in 1946, the problem of colonial oppression and racial discrimination in South Africa and Namibia. The first ever SWAPO Embassy abroad was established in New Delhi in 1986, and it was this move by India that started the chain of diplomatic recognition by other countries and the inevitability of Namibia's independence."

President Mukherjee further stated that Namibia's Founding president Sam Nujoma was and continues to be held in high esteem and admiration in India, and reminded the Namibian Parliament that India had conferred upon him the prestigious Indira Gandhi Peace Prize for Disarmament and Development for the year 1990. He added that in 2015 November, New Delhi hosted him as the Distinguished Guest at a function organized by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR).

"I recall his inspiring words in October 1992 in Liberville, Gabon at the 17th Conference of the Heads of State and Government, and I quote 'There cannot be democracy in an unstable political environment. Neither can there be development in an undemocratic environment..' Unquote".

President Mukherjee said that Namibia today is a shining example of a nation that has repeatedly ensured a trouble-free and peaceful transfer of power from one elected government to another.

"Namibia has once again proven that a vibrant democratic system offers the best possible ecosystem for inclusive development and growth. Namibia's commitment to democracy and the success of her national reconciliation programme has made her a role model for Africa. We, in India, admire Namibia's transformation into a vibrant, peaceful and fast progressing nation," he added.

"I would emphasize that it is the people of Namibia, their unity and their efforts that have made Namibia what it is today-a beacon of hope and motivation, not only on the African continent, but also in the world. It is a bright spot in the realm of democracy and rule of law; a nation progressing rapidly on the path of development and contributing to peace and stability in Africa and beyond," President Mukherjee said.

He also said that New Delhi appreciates the vision of Namibian President Geingob in introducing the "Harambee Prosperity Plan and its socio-economic objectives and is ready to extend any assistance that Namibia may require for this as well as its "Vision 2030" plan.

The president further said that both India and Namibia seek to address complex governance issue each in their own way, but through empowerment of the disempowered.

President Mukherjee said that India remains committed to a strong development partnership with Namibia within the South-South framework, and would extend all possible assistance in human resource development and capacity building.

He reiterated that Namibia should take advantage of India expertise in information technology and digital technologies, agriculture and dairy development to further cement the bilateral economic partnership.

"We see in Namibia a valuable partner in India's quest for progress and prosperity as we pursue our identical priorities, skilling our youth, eradicating poverty, building infrastructure without damaging the environment, promoting sustainable technologies that save water and prevent desertification, and so on," President Mukherjee said.

He concluded his address by saying that both India and Namibia are united by their shared past and common aspirations, and added that both can achieve much together by "building on our synergies."