Namibia and France will continue to share principles rooted in democracy.

This was affirmed by the French Ambassador to Namibia, Sĕbastien Minot, during a farewell courtesy call on President Nangolo Mbumba at State House.

Minot says it is a normal practice for countries to have differences in policies, but this does not affect ties among them.

"Before leaving Namibia, I take with me the fact that our countries are similar and have much in common. I like to stress the similarity between our national mottos, unity, liberty, and justice. We are very attached to democracy and human rights. Namibia is one of the best countries in Africa regarding. human rights; that is not to be discussed. We have a special attachment to the UN, France is a founder and active member of the Security Council, a constructive member. Namibia being an offspring of the UN, this is something I really appreciate to see how loyal and faithful Namibia was to that parenthood, the big UN house offered in Klein Windhoek, so our two countries, beyond our differences, have a lot in common, and that may explain why France was the most active member of the western contact group in support of Namibia's independence before 1990," he said.

In response, President Nangolo Mbumba said, "We are grateful for that; we appreciate that, and hopefully wherever you are posted, Burundi, congratulations for that and best of luck. The Great Lakes area is quite tough, but as they say, sometimes when God created a beautiful place, they have plenty of water and plenty of rain; they don't suffer from drought, but then they are very tough people."