The Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, has highlighted that foreign diplomatic missions are not development agencies and are therefore not obligated to provide donations, sponsorships, or humanitarian assistance to Namibia.

She was responding to NDP Leader Lukato Lukato, who requested the ministry to provide a detailed account of the financial and material contributions made by foreign diplomats, ambassadors, and high commissioners based in Namibia.

Ashipala-Musavyi explained that donations and bilateral assistance are gestures of goodwill rather than mandatory diplomatic obligations.

“Foreign missions are established to serve as bridges between nations. Their primary role is to maintain peace through bilateral relations, facilitate trade, and protect their citizens in the receiving state. Regarding sponsorships and aid, it is important to note that any sponsorship or bilateral assistance extended to Namibia is a gesture of goodwill and is not an obligation.”