By Staff Reporter

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Staff Reporter

PRESIDENT Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia expressed gratitude and outlined opportunities for deeper cooperation between Namibia and the United States during a ceremony where she received official honours and citations from the Philadelphia City Council.

Speaking at City Hall, Nandi-Ndaitwah said she accepted the recognition on behalf of the Namibian people, adding that Philadelphia’s history as a cradle of American democracy and resilience resonates with Namibia’s own struggle for freedom and its commitment to democracy and international cooperation. She stressed that Namibia’s independence is inseparable from interdependence, and that progress in today’s world depends on global collaboration.

Photos: Namibian Presidency

Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted Namibia’s leadership role as co-facilitator, alongside Germany, of the United Nations Pact for the Future at the 79th UN General Assembly. She described the pact as a landmark initiative to strengthen global governance, protect future generations, and reform multilateral institutions to meet 21st-century challenges. Namibia’s involvement, she said, amplified the voices of the Global South and young people while reaffirming the country’s commitment to building an inclusive and sustainable future.

Turning to bilateral opportunities, the president identified key areas where Namibia and Philadelphia could strengthen ties. She pointed to the Port of Walvis Bay as a modern logistics hub for southern Africa and the Port of Philadelphia as a strategic entry point to North American markets, suggesting that direct maritime routes could cut costs and enhance trade. She also proposed exploring direct air links between Hosea Kutako International Airport and Philadelphia to boost tourism, business exchanges, and cargo movement.

Nandi-Ndaitwah underscored Namibia’s agricultural potential, particularly through exports such as grapes, dates, fish, beef, and salt, which she said could complement American markets via the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market. She called for the establishment of trade frameworks and investment partnerships to make this a reality.

To further cement ties, Nandi-Ndaitwah proposed the exploration of a Sister City agreement between Philadelphia and a Namibian city. Such a partnership, she said, would foster cooperation in education, trade, health, urban development, and cultural exchange while strengthening grassroots diplomacy.

Concluding her remarks, the president thanked the City Council for its recognition, saying it symbolised not only respect for Namibia’s role on the global stage but also the potential for new and dynamic partnerships. “May this moment serve as a bridge connecting the people of our two nations,” she said.