The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Trade, Jennely Matundu, clarified that the conduct of international relations cannot only be exercised within the country, adding that the nature of diplomacy requires partnerships.

This follows IPC MP Roney Cloete's request that details of the ministers' trips be put on record.

Matundu said the minister is duty bound to ensure that strong relationships are built with bilateral partners across regional groups, given Namibia's membership in several multilateral organizations.

Trips are therefore dependent on collaborations with the counterparts to build positive relations that benefit Namibia's national interests.

"All the aforesaid trips were undertaken in saving our national interests in the state and were fully funded through the approved operational budget of the Ministry of International Relations and Trade. The budget attached to my travel was approved by this very August House. The focus area of their trips was all necessary, as they are speaking to the annual plan of the Ministry's 2025-2026 financial year, and all expenditure was incurred in accordance with the government financial and travel regulations, and the travel engagements were aimed at advancing Namibia's diplomatic, political and economic interests at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels."