External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that the time has come for countries such as India and Namibia to act on the global stage amid an “extremely challenging” international situation created by factors such as debt crisis along with high-interest rates and tense geopolitical situations. Work together to collaborate.
His remarks came after the conclusion of the first India-Namibia Joint Commission meeting with Namibian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwa here in the Namibian capital.
During the meeting, both sides discussed the roadmap for the growing bilateral partnership which included areas of energy, infrastructure, wildlife conservation, trade and investment, food security, digital, capacity building, health, defense and arts, culture, heritage and people-to-people Are. Connecting with people
Jaishankar tweeted after the meeting, “Delighted to conclude the first India-Namibia Joint Commission for Cooperation and sign its minutes.”
He said that Namibia has a special place in the hearts and minds of Indians.
In his opening remarks at the meeting, he said, “And that is because we supported Namibian independence and we were very happy to see Namibia taking its rightful place in the comity of nations and becoming a proud upholder of the international order.” “
He said, “Therefore, as you celebrate 33 years of your independence, let me tell you that we share your pride and we applaud your progress, your success and we take equal satisfaction.”
He said that when the two countries meet, they cannot remain oblivious to the world and the challenges that the international order is facing in different spheres.
These challenges affect the lives of our people, he said, and the Global South has been a particular victim of what has been happening in the world over the past 3 or 4 years.
“The health, economic and social challenges posed by the post-pandemic combined with the debt crisis coupled with high interest rates, tense geopolitical conditions, in addition to the ecological, economic and social costs of climate change. I think all of these together have created a very challenging international situation today indeed.”
“So it is definitely time for countries like ours to work together, to think together, to cooperate on the international stage,” he said.
He hoped that the Joint Commission would live up to that responsibility, and be a platform for exchange of ideas, innovations, skills and technologies.
“And we will see that in many sectors like pharmaceuticals and health; green and clean energy; Because we are also increasingly getting into green hydrogen; In the digital age,” he said.
The Minister said that this process of high-level visits and continuous dialogue, which is supported by a platform, will definitely help both the countries to navigate our partnership for the better in times to come.
“Our ties are built on our developmental cooperation, our capacity-building programs and our political solidarity. And it is important that we grow, develop and prosper together,” Jaishankar said.
“In recent years our cooperation has seen a boom especially on the economic side, there has been a very significant increase in trade, your (Nandi-Naditwah’s) visit to India last July, I think, went a long way in energizing our relations. Three important agreements were signed,” he said.
He said that an immediate and concrete result of that visit was the translocation of cheetahs from Namibia to India.
“This is, indeed, a huge step forward, as it is the first program to reintroduce a large carnivore anywhere in the world. So this has wildlife and environmental implications, but also a direct contribution to the development of tourism And I certainly hope that our cooperation in these areas will continue to grow.” Jaishankar said.
He said that another area where the two countries have strong partnership is in the regional, global arena, and the commonalities of interests, beliefs and outlook, which underpin bilateral ties, apply to the wider global stage as well.
“And we both work for the prosperity and well being of the people. India is a proud partner of Namibia in your development journey and I would like to underline that today in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, transport, tourism, healthcare, digital delivery, capacity building and defence.
Jaishankar said that both the countries would be very happy to explore more ideas and come up with more projects.
He said that many Indian companies, about 400 are operating in Namibia.
“And we would certainly again like to see stronger investment by India, more collaboration, a stronger skills partnership, because what we want to see (inaudible) are really businesses in which your participation is as strong as our contribution,” he said. Said.
“Which is why I’m very happy that two very important business leaders of India, working in oil and gas naturally, and with infrastructure development, road and rail, are with us today, and I think That his presence is a sign of our being.” serious business interests,” the minister said.
“I want to tell you that this is our belief as well and I think this should be our common motto to build India-Namibia relations,” he said.
Jaishankar said he was confident that “our partnership is entering a new era today” and that he looked forward to working with the Deputy Prime Minister on this.
Jaishankar also participated in the inauguration of the India-Namibia Center of Excellence in Information Technology (INCEIT) in Windhoek.
“This center is a remarkable contribution to our partnership with Digital Africa. It is in line with Namibian priorities and will contribute to research, innovation, cyber security and good governance,” Jaishankar tweeted.
“Believe that the youth of Namibia will also use this as a platform to showcase their talent and creativity. The PARAM supercomputer installed here, named ARUB (Cheetah), is a tribute to the time-tested Indo-Namibian partnership Confirmed,” he said in his letter. Comment on opening.
The Center is an outcome of the development cooperation and capacity building partnership between India and Namibia and is being taken forward in line with our shared desire to develop human resources, especially the youth, and provide them with the right skills in the technology sector. Said.
Jaishankar said it reflects the long standing people-to-people friendship and ties.
“With an aim to develop industry-oriented programs to meet the skill requirements in areas such as cyber security, big data analytics and e-governance applications and software development, I believe the center will be able to offer courses and training as I heard from over 275 professionals, government officials from various ministries, students, teachers and researchers.”
He said that the courses that the center is offering are really important for Namibia in building a knowledge society and this has to be done on the foundation of innovation and technology, which will emerge from here.
“So what I want to say today is that apart from skill, research, awareness, creativity, that is what this center will create. It is indeed going to become increasingly central to good governance,” the minister said.
“The unique feature of this center is that it is powered by the ultimate supercomputer, and I think you have named it right, Aruba, and I must tell you that the cheetah is the new symbol of our partnership today,” he said.
“And in fact, I have a very senior official in my delegation who has negotiated this and who has come back here to report to the President that the cheetah is doing well, and we are taking care of all Namibians including the cheetah very well in India. are doing well. Jaishankar said.
He said the center is the latest in India’s strong partnership with Africa that specifically targets the next generation in Africa and India.
He said that India believes that the best partnership is to develop human capital and institutions that equip and empower the country to pursue development as per its priorities.
He praised Indian diamond businesses from Gujarat operating in Namibia for furthering India’s economic interests and building a genuine friendship.
“It is good to see Indian diamond businesses from Gujarat active in Namibia. They are furthering our economic interests while building genuine friendship. The Namibian government appreciates their contribution to the local economy,” Jaishankar said.
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI,