The Minister of International Relations and Trade has expressed appreciation to the European Union for the consistent and tangible support it has extended to Namibia's key programmes over the years.
Selma Ashipala-Musavyi said this at a Namibia-EU Partnership Dialogue held in Windhoek on Monday.
The Namibia-EU relationship was officially forged upon Namibia's independence in 1990.
Over the past 35 years, that relationship has grown into a robust and constructive partnership, built on shared values of sustainable development and democracy.
The EU-Namibia Cooperation support has been implemented in various programmes, including early childhood development, inclusive green growth, good governance, gender equality, civil society support, human rights, climate investment, and foreign policy instruments.
"The list of projects and programmes funded by the EU is extensive, but let me highlight the following recent and notable examples: the financing of N$730 million in Namibia's green industrial project, which was an inclusive design of the renewable energy transition project, the Etunda feedlot project and the humanitarian aid to support Namibia's drought response. Support of this nature stands as a testament to the long-standing cooperation between the EU and Namibia, and it is deeply appreciated," said Ashipala-Musavyi.
The two also share economic ties, with the EU being Namibia's largest export market for meat, fish, grapes, and precious stones, among others, while Namibia imports machinery, vehicles, pharmaceuticals, food products, and others from the EU.
Ashipala-Musavyi added that "This economic dynamic relationship represents a win-win situation and mutually beneficial partnership; however, like all other relationships, it requires regular review and adaptation to reflect current realities, especially in Namibia and the evolving international and regional economic landscape."
Ana Beatriz Martins, the EU Ambassador to Namibia, stated: "We do not say it often enough, but the EU's single market remains Namibia's largest export market and its third-largest import partner, making it our most diversified trading partner. Through our economic partnership agreement, Namibia enjoys duty- and quota-free access to the EU market, which the country has successfully leveraged to its advantage."
The EU's Ambassador to Namibia said the partnership between the EU and Namibia is forged on the principles of solidarity, rooted in the shared values of democracy, peace and respect for human rights.
"Our relationship has evolved from donor-beneficiary to one of equal partners. We share common values in many areas and inspire a partnership that generates benefits for the people in Namibia and Europe."
The one-day event focused on issues of economic and development cooperation in areas of energy, critical raw material value chains, women, peace and security and the Pact for the Future, among others.