President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has tasked Namibia’s newly commissioned ambassador-designate to Switzerland, Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati, with securing tangible opportunities in trade, investment, tourism, technology and knowledge transfer to advance the country’s development.
Nandi-Ndaitwah commissioned Nghipondoka-Robiati as ambassador to the Swiss Confederation and permanent representative to the United Nations office in Geneva on Friday, at State House.
She says the ambassador must strengthen Namibia’s long-standing relations with Switzerland while advancing the country’s political, economic, commercial and developmental interests.
“Your responsibility is to strengthen the long-standing friendship and cooperation between Namibia and Switzerland, and to advance our political, economic, commercial, and developmental interests,” she says.
Nandi-Ndaitwah says the envoy’s diplomatic engagement must align with Namibia’s Sixth National Development Plan, particularly its focus on economic growth, inclusiveness and resilience.
She also tasked Nghipondoka-Robiati with ensuring Namibia participates actively and constructively in the UN system, WTO, WHO, Human Rights Council and other Geneva-based institutions.
The president highlights Namibia and Switzerland’s historical ties, including Switzerland’s role during Namibia’s transition to independence.
She also points to the new Windhoek-Switzerland air service, launched in June, as an opportunity to deepen tourism, business and people-to-people ties.
Nandi-Ndaitwah urges the ambassador to serve with “wisdom, courage, humility, integrity and discipline” while safeguarding Namibia’s national interests.
