Namibian diplomats have a responsibility to defend their country and citizens against attacks and further negotiate better agreements that will impact the quality of life.

President Hage Geingob read the riot act to the country's Heads of Mission and Honorary Consuls when he opened the 9th session of the Heads of Mission Conference in Windhoek.

The Heads of Mission Conference is taking place at a time when there is a demand for fair multilateralism, equal partnerships, and changing geopolitics.

As a result, the conference has set aside time to dissect geopolitical trends and influence Namibia's policy on international relations and cooperation.

President Geingob urged the diplomats to use the conference to reflect on how they have carried out their tasks as charges in the host countries.

Namibia's foreign missions play a crucial role in how the country navigates through these challenges with principled positions, he says.

Namibia's revised foreign policy puts emphasis on economic diplomacy as a basis for the country to attract sustainable investments through bilateral and multilateral partnerships.

The country has since announced plans to discontinue the export of raw minerals in a push to add value locally and create jobs.

Strategic government offices, ministries, and agencies, such as the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, are also set to address the five-day conference.