The Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, has called for stronger collaboration between Namibia and the United States of America.
Ashipala-Musavyi, who was speaking at the USA 250th independence anniversary in Windhoek, invited American investors to partner with Namibia in value addition, industrialisation, technology transfer, skills development and sustainable job creation.
Ashipala-Musavyi said Namibia is keen to move beyond the traditional exporter-importer relationship towards partnerships that create value within the country, empower its people and contribute to shared prosperity.
She said Namibia and the US have cultivated a longstanding relationship founded on mutual respect, shared aspirations and a common belief in the dignity of all people.
The Minister noted that while the two countries may at times differ on certain international issues, those differences do not define their relationship but instead provide opportunities for constructive dialogue and deeper bilateral cooperation.
“The United States has been a valued partner in Namibia's development trajectory, contributing significantly to various sectors of our economy and society. In particular, I wish to acknowledge the invaluable contribution of the United States to Namibia's public health sector through agencies such as the United States Agency for International Development, USAID, and programmes such as the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).”
The US Ambassador to Namibia, John Giordano, said the independence day is a renewed commitment to the ideals upon which the nation was founded.
He said the Declaration of Independence in 1776 proclaimed the principles of equality, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, which continue to be built today.
Giordano further said the partnership between the US and Namibia is built on a shared understanding that economic strength underpins national prosperity.
He stated that Namibia's future will be shaped not only by its natural resources but also by what it builds above the ground through investment, innovation and trusted partnerships.
“Prosperity is never accidental. Nations succeed when they build foundations that allow opportunity to flourish. That is the American story. Yes, the United States was blessed with natural resources, but we have flourished because every generation transformed opportunity into lasting prosperity. And that too is why Namibia is attracting growing attention.”
The Embassy marked the Independence Day ahead of 4th July.