PRESIDENT WELCOMES NEW HEADS OF MISSION, BIDS FAREWELL TO GERMAN AMBASSADOR
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation after receiving letters of credence from six newly accredited heads of mission while also bidding farewell to Germany’s ambassador, whose diplomatic tenure in Namibia has come to an end.
During a ceremony at State House, President NandiNdaitwah officially received letters of credence from Ambassador Pedro de Castro da Cunha e Menezes of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Ambassador Erika Álvarez Rodríguez of the Dominican Republic, High Commissioner Air Chief Marshal Group Captain Rajapaksa (retired) of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Ambassador Karin Poulsen of the Kingdom of Denmark, Ambassador Abdelkerim Ahmadaye Bakhit of the Republic of Chad and Ambassador Anna Karin Eneström of the Kingdom of Sweden.
The presentation of letters of credence is the formal diplomatic process through which ambassadors and high commissioners are officially accredited as heads of mission to the Republic of Namibia, while also serving as an opportunity to reaffirm bilateral relations and explore new avenues for cooperation between Namibia and partner countries.
- Namibian Presidency
President Nandi-Ndaitwah encouraged the newly accredited diplomats to continue strengthening relations between Namibia and their respective countries, with a focus on promoting mutual benefit, economic cooperation and shared prosperity. She also conveyed her best wishes for continued good health, success and prosperity to the heads of state of the nations they represent.
Additionally, the president also received a farewell courtesy call from Germany’s ambassador to Namibia, Thorsten Hutter as he marked the conclusion of his threeyear tenure. During the meeting, the president expressed appreciation for Ambassador Hutter’s contribution to strengthening Namibia–Germany relations and commended Germany’s participation in the recently concluded EU–Namibia Business Forum. She noted that the longstanding partnership between the two countries continues to expand across several sectors of mutual interest.
Reflecting on his tenure, Ambassador Hutter described his time in Namibia as both a privilege and one of the most rewarding chapters of his diplomatic career. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve in the country and highlighted the strong bilateral cooperation that exists in development, education, culture and business.
The outgoing ambassador said extensive travel across Namibia had given him the opportunity to witness the impact of German-supported development initiatives in communities throughout the country. Among the highlights of his tenure, he singled out the inauguration of German-funded facilities at the University of Namibia (UNAM) Katima Mulilo Campus, describing the project as a significant milestone in bilateral development cooperation and an important investment in higher education, research and skills development.
Discussions between President Nandi-Ndaitwah and Ambassador Hutter also focused on the growing cooperation between Namibia and Germany in renewable energy and green hydrogen, as well as opportunities to further strengthen economic ties. The two also exchanged views on the ongoing Joint Declaration process, acknowledging the importance of continued dialogue on issues relating to the shared history between Namibia and Germany.
Ambassador Hutter stressed the need to address the past with honesty, openness and mutual respect while maintaining a forward-looking partnership based on reconciliation, development and shared prosperity. The accreditation of new heads of mission alongside the conclusion of Ambassador Hutter’s tenure reflects Namibia’s continued commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations and expanding international cooperation in support of the country’s development priorities.
