New Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, has hailed the contributions of former Minister Peya Mushelenga as having advanced Namibia's foreign policy.
Ambassador Ashipala-Musavyi and the staff of the Ministry bid farewell to Dr. Mushelenga during a ceremony in Windhoek.
Following the reshuffle brought on by President Hage Geingob's death last year, Dr. Mushelenga has been back in charge of the ministry since February 2024.
Ambassador Ashipala-Musavyi praised her predecessor for prioritising Namibia's foreign policy goals.
Dr. Mushelenga began his diplomatic career at the ministry as a cadet desk officer and progressed through the ranks to become deputy minister and then full minister.
"He has contributed immensely to this institution, and I thought it was appropriate that we have this opportunity to simply show you this appreciation for the standing of our country in the committee of nations and for advancing the foreign policy of our country. You have been at the helm of the ministry basically for over a year, but you have made an impact. You even visited Accra, where I was the high commissioner. Your contribution at the AU meeting was highly appreciated. You have made your mark in furthering the unfinished foreign policy business between us and other countries, and you have imparted your knowledge to the staff of the ministry."
The departing minister listed the main diplomatic initiatives he oversaw during his tenure.
Dr. Mushelenga thanked the ministry's management and staff for helping him to raise Namibia's profile internationally.
"Without their support, it would not have been possible to host joint commissions of cooperation and diplomatic consultations, host the AU Peace and Security Council on Women, Peace, and Security, host rounds of negotiations on genocide committed by Germany against Herero and Nama people, undertake bilateral outbound engagements, carry out public diplomacy through the Theo-Ben Gurirab lecture series, operationalise Namibia's school of diplomatic studies and address sessions of the UN Security Council."
Deputy Minister Jennelly Matundu has been retained in the same portfolio.
"For a year, it was not just about working together; each and every day, one learnt something from him and his leadership style." We will not stop here; we will still consult each other."
The minister announced plans for a larger staff address that would include those from trade in due course.