Jaishankar in Namibia: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday concluded the first India-Namibia Joint Commission of Cooperation. During the meet in Windhoek (Namibia) he said the roadmap of the growing partnership between both the countries covers the sectors of energy, infrastructure, food security, digital, defence and arts.
Jaishankar said in his address, “I take great satisfaction at this first visit by Indian External Affairs Minister to Namibia and to chair the first meeting of our Joint Commission.”
The EAM expressed his views on Twitter and wrote, “Pleased to conclude the 1st India-Namibia Joint Commission of Cooperation and sign its minutes. The roadmap of our growing partnership covers the domains of energy, infrastructure, wildlife conservation, trade and Investment, food security, digital, capacity building, health, defence and arts, culture, heritage and people-to-people linkages.”
Growing partnership
He further said, ” In the last three decades, this has taken the form of a growing development partnership, stronger capacity building, expanded trade and initial investments. The future of our partnership is built on the firm foundation of the immense goodwill arising from the shared struggle for freedom.”
Jaishankar said that the example of India-Namibia strong relationship is the India Namibia Centre of Excellence in Information Technology which the Deputy Prime Minister of Namibia and EAM inaugurated.
Jaishankar added, “Our cooperation has also been expressed in domains ranging from health, education and electrification. Taking this to a much higher level has been the objective of the Joint Commission.”
Speaking on wildlife diplomacy, he highlighted the Cheetahs that were brought to India from Namibia.
Jaishankar’s actions
“The reintroduction of cheetahs in India that were given by Namibia is truly a milestone, creating the basis for other initiatives. We hope that Namibia would join us in the creation of the Big Cat alliance,” he said.
Jaishankar, on the rising Diamond Industry in Namibia, said, “Our representatives of the industry take pride in imparting skills to their Namibian partners.”
The topic of the International Year of Millets also came up during the Joint Commission.
“2023 is the UN year. International Year of Millets. Prime Minister Modi has personally led the mission to increase the production and consumption of millets worldwide. This can become a new focus area between us,” Jaishankar said,
Successful visit
Digital delivery of public goods, advances in fintech, education, defence, and cooperation in arts, culture, heritage and people-to-people contexts were also discussed during the joint commission.
Jaishankar reiterated that it had been a very successful joint commission and a very successful visit.
Infrastructure development, especially with regard to railways, roads, ports, electricity, transmission and water usage were also discussed.
