President Hage Geingob has urged the newly appointed Ambassador to Austria and UN agencies to promote economic opportunities found in Namibia during his tour of duty.

Dr. Geingob handed over the letter of appointment to Vasco Mushe Sampofu during the commissioning ceremony at State House.

56-year-old career diplomat Sampofu takes over from Nada Kruger, who went into early retirement.

The Namibian Mission in Austria is also accredited to UN organisations and agencies headquartered in the capital, Vienna.

President Geingob expects Sampofu to uphold Namibia's interests and its economic development agenda.

Namibia and Austria have a number of agreements in place that guide bilateral trade and cooperation, such as the investment protection agreement.

Others include transport, infrastructure, and technology.

President Geingob urged Sampofu to provide the government with appropriate policy perspectives and increase the benefits the country gains from partnerships.

Prior to his appointment as Ambassador, Sampofu held various positions in the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation after joining in 1991.

His most recent position was Deputy Head of Mission at Namibia's High Commission in South Africa.