Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698746448881.pdf (Namibia)
MINISTRY OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION BUDGET SPEECH VOTE 07 FOR THE 2019-2020 FINANCIAL YEAR BY HON.

NETUMBO NANDI-NDAITW AH, MP DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER APRIL 2019 NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MIRCO 2019/2020 Budget Speech 1 MOTIVATION FOR THE 201912020 FINANCIAL YEAR FOR VOTE 7IMINISTRY OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION 1.

Nine months ago, Namibia lost its first Foreign Minister, Dr. Theo - Ben Gurirab.

The Ministry lost its guru of diplomacy and I lost my mentor.
The outpouring sympathy and messages of condolence received from all over the world speak to his international standing and contribution to the maintenance of international peace and security and sustainable development.

Through the Dr. Theo Ben Gurirab Lecture Series, the Ministry will keep his legacy and teachings alive, thereby assisting the Namibian diplomats in particular, to follow in his footsteps.

2.
2.

Having said that, it is indeed a privilege for me to motivate the budget vote of the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation.

At this junction, I on behalf of the Deputy Minister, the Special Advisor, Executive Director, Ambassadors and High Commissioners and my own behalf wish to extend our appreciation to H.E.

Dr Hage G. Geingob for continuing entrusting us with the responsibility of promoting and protecting Namibia's national interest in the world.
Honourable Chairperson of the Whole House Committee, Honourable Members 3.

Major changes occurring in the international operating environment not only offers Namibia with new opportunities but also present serious challenges, that have advanced to an extent that we can only ignore them at the peril of our national interest.

Namibia is part of the global community and global political and economic developments also affect Namibia.
Allow me therefore to 1 congratulate Honourable Calle Schletwein, Minister of Finance, Honourable abed Kandjoze, Director General of the National Planning Commission and Minister of Economic Planning, Deputy Minister of Finance and their respective staff for the excellent budget presented, taking into account the current economic challenges faced in Namibia and globally.

4.
4.

The Africa Report of January this year, in projecting Africa in 2019, inter alia places emphasis on the African people in bringing about industrialization on the African Continent.

It makes the case that Africa should embrace the demographic revolution by enhancing its emerging soft power.
It goes on to state that this soft power in the form of literature, sports, art and music to mention but some should be linked to hard economic power, for example energy, water and transport infrastructure development, to bring about industrialization for Sustainable Development.

The Government of Namibia agrees with this assertion, for Africa can only make the leap forward by strategically and effectively making use of its demographic advantage, which is the young population.
It is for this reason that, during the 38th SADC Summit, Namibia chose the theme that speaks to Infrastructure Development, Youth Empowerment and Sustainable Development.

5.

We live in a globalizing world where competing interests is the norm.

The international system waits for no one.

Only those who adjust their way of doing business to the international speed will benefit.
Moreover, diplomacy is no longer confined to governments alone, and only those countries with effective diplomatic practitioners will survive the tide.

For Namibia to effectively position herself as a logistical hub and gateway into SADC and beyond, the preferred tourism and investment destination in the region, we must be strategic in our engagement with our bilateral and multilateral partners.
In this context, it is 2 imperative that we continue to work together and speak with one voice as a nation in dealing with the International Community.

6.

Namibia's Foreign Policy is anchored on International Cooperation, Peace And Security.

As such, we continue to make our contribution to peace and security in accordance with our regional, continental and international obligations.

The recently held conference here in Windhoek on Women, Peace and Security is one of such contributions.

7.
7.

Peace is not only the absence of war.

The Namibian Constitution highlights the protection of environment and ecology.

Cyclone IDAI that has ravaged some of the SADC Countries namely Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe is a reminder that climate change is real.

At home, we have a looming drought with high potential to negatively affect national food security.
This is why Namibia has continued to advocate for the implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

We also continue to lobby to host the African Regional office of the Green Climate Fund.

It is a fact that our human security is closely linked to the environment, and it is for this reason that the AU has put in place a mechanism to address climate change in Africa.

The impact of climate change in Africa is also a driver of migration.
And it is important for the members of this House and the public in general to appreciate this link.

At the same time, free movement of the African people will only add value to Africa's integration when viewed within the context of Agenda 2063 and in the spirit of Pan Africanism.

3 REVIEW OF THE 2018/2019 FINANCIAL YEAR INCLUDING ACHIEVEMENTS AND CONSTRAINTS Honourable Chairperson of the Whole House Committee, Honourable Members, 8.
As I now present the summary review of 2018/2019 financial year, let me emphasize that our bilateral relations and cooperation determine the real impact of our interaction at the multilateral fora and how much we benefit.

As stipulated in the International Relations and Cooperation policy, "The essence of Namibia's bilateral cooperation is to create mutually beneficial relations to effect socio - economic development as envisaged by Namibia's national development policies".
Bilateral cooperation therefore remains an important framework in the pursuit of Namibia's national interest.

9.

In an effort to expand and consolidate Namibia's relations and cooperation, the Ministry facilitated the historic visit of the Prime Minister of Jamaica with the aim of strengthening cooperation between SADC and CARICOM, as both preside over the regional bodies.
The Ministry also facilitated State/Officials/Working visits to Namibia for the Republics of Zimbabwe, Botswana, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

In turn, H.E Dr Hage G. Geingob President of the Republic of Namibia paid State/Official/Working visits to Indonesia, China, Guinea, United Arab Emirates, Canada, Madagascar, and South Africa.
Six Special Envoys to our President were received from AU Chairperson, DRC, Japan, Mozambique, Norway and Venezuela and 4 (four) Joint Commissions for Cooperation with Ghana, Senegal, Kenya and Joint working Group with Cuba were held.

All these, are in keeping with our continued efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation.

4 10.

During the period under review, the Ministry processed and facilitated the negotiation of eighty (80) MoU's and Agreements.
Of these, thirty one (31) Agreements and MoUs were signed.

It is through these engagements that we reap great benefit for Namibia.

These benefits are represented by the number of scholarships offered to Namibians by other countries, technical assistance, exchange of experts, trade and investment, twinning of cities and towns, among others.
On the Multilateral front: REGIONAL: Namibia successfully hosted the 38th Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government in August 2018 under the theme, "Promoting Infrastructure Development and Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development" and consequently assumed its chairmanship.

The Summit deliberated on key issues aimed at fostering regional economic growth and development, peace and security, and regional integration.

11.
11.

In our efforts to contribute to the consolidation of democracy in the Region, Namibia participated, in the SADC Election Observer Mission in Madagascar, Eswatini and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The peaceful transfer of power observed in the two countries are important milestones for the Region.

12.

Under Namibia's Chairmanship, the Region hosted the SADC Solidarity Conference with the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic, in Pretoria from 25 to 26 March 2019.
The Conference that was at the level of Heads of State and Government adopted a Declaration re-affirming unwavering solidarity with the people of Western Sahara to achieve their inalienable right to self-determination 5 and independence.

It also reminded the international community that Africa's decoIonization is incomplete, as long as the people of Western Sahara remain under colonial occupation.
The Conference further identified strategies to end illegal occupation and exploitation of Western Sahara's natural resources.

CONTINETAL: At the level of the African Union (AU), Namibia continues to participate in the process of the AU reform by making our input both at the level of the Summit, Council of Ministers and within other organs of the AU and Ad- hoc committees.
I am pleased to inform this Honourable House that Namibia has submitted her instrument of ratification to the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA) on 31 January 2019.

As a member of the AU, Namibia has statutory obligations, hence our continued pursuit and prioritization of the Agenda 2063, as well as agreed AU instruments to which we are part.

13.

As a continent, Africa is grappling with new and emerging issues such as climate change.
Therefore, the 32nd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union took a decision to operationalise the African Humanitarian Agency (AHA).

This is vital in terms of addressing the Humanitarian Situations on the continent.

Therefore the Agency will, in future, playa critical coordination role in terms of humanitarian relief efforts and the reconstruction phases.

14.

GLOBALLY: The United Nations: 15.


Comrade Speaker, I wish to inform this August House that following the adoption ofUNSC Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security in October 2000, during Namibia's Presidency of the UN Security Council, a Global Study was commissioned by the United Nations in 2015 to determine the full implementation of that Resolution at country levels.

The result of the study led 6 to the establishment of the Global Focal Point Network on Women, Peace and Security.
On the eve of the 20th Anniversary of this resolution, Namibia has successfully hosted the meeting of the Focal Point Network in Windhoek from 10 to 11 April 20 19.

This is the first time it is taking place in Africa.

The meeting encouraged more member states, particularly from Africa, to join the Network and to further develop National Action Plans for the implementation of Resolution 1325.
On our part, we undertook to establish an International Peace Centre in Namibia to carry out research, mediation, training and pre-deployment orientation for international peacekeepers.

An initiative that was widely welcomed and to which many of our international partners have already pledged support.

16.

In the maintenance of international peace, the UN Security Council remains a fundamental Organ of the UN.
However, its legitimacy and respectability has become questionable, due to its current skewed regional representation.

As a member of the African Union Committee ofTen Heads of State and Government (C-10) on the Reform of the UN Security Council, Namibia continued to participate in the promotion and canvass support for the Common African Position, as espoused in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.

17.
17.

Multilateralism is the fundamental framework of international cooperation, including Human Development.

Therefore, the UN Sustainable Development Goals or well-known UN Agenda 2030 is very important for countries like Namibia.

Accordingly, as we implement our National Development Plan as directed by Vision 2030, articulated in NDPs and simplified by the Harambee Prosperity Plan, both the AU Agenda 2063 and UN Agenda 2030 will be reference points.

7 18.
7 18.

European Union: Namibia remains committed to its relations with the EU and we continue to hold annual dialogue on issues of mutual interest with our European partners through the Namibia - EU Political dialogue.

To this end, Namibia participated at the First African Union-European Union Ministerial Meeting, held in Brussels, Belgium from 21 to 22 January 2019.
The Meeting was held to review the implementation of the Abidjan Declaration and to enhance the AU-EU Partnership, with a special focus on the finalization of the draft Joint Action Plan.

This IS as we look toward to the Post Cotonou Agreement.
Similarly our participation at multilateral meetings and conferences such as the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) which was held in London, U.K, from 19-20 April 2018, where Namibia was re-appointed as a member of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) for the period 2018 to 2020, is of crucial importance.

It is therefore Namibia's commitment to deepen cooperation with the Commonwealth particularly in the areas of education and training.

19.
19.

As a country we have also positioned ourselves to benefit from different partnerships such as Africa -China Forum, Africa- India Cooperation, Africa- Russia Cooperation, Africa -Japan-Cooperation among others.

Honourable Chairperson of the Whole House Committee, Honourable Members, 20.

The Ministry also continued to engage qualified Namibians to seek employment opportunities at regional, continental and international organizations.
It is only through filling Namibia's quotas at international organisations that we can influence decisions and acquire necessary skills to advance Namibia's development agenda.

Through hard work, networking and lobbying, the number of Namibians employed at SADC, AU and UN now stands at 26, from 22 last 8 financial year.

For example, at SADC, Namibia has a quota of 11 (eleven) which is now filled.

At the AU Namibia's quota is 11 (eleven) and only 2 (two) positions have been filled.

21.
21.

Notwithstanding the achievements I have just elaborated on, the Ministry has faced challenges in executing its operations due to the fact that we operate dominantly in an international environment, thus facing competing priorities that need to be implemented within available resources.

Honourable Chairperson of the Whole House Committee, Honourable Members 22.
The Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation will continue to make its mark at the regional, continental and international levels by raising the profile of Namibia and contributing to national development objectives and priorities.

23.

A total budget ofN$941,274, 000 (Nine Hundred and Forty One Million, Two hundred and Seventy Four Thousand Namibia Dollars) is proposed to Vote 07 for the 2019/2020 financial years.

24.
24.

15% of the total budget which is N$145,000,000 (One hundred and forty five Million Namibia Dollars) is earmarked for the Development Budget.

This amount will be utilized for capital projects at headquarters and at diplomatic missions and posts abroad.

The Ministry's focus will be on acquisition of properties as a priority area, in order to reduce the rental cost which is extremely high in foreign countries as well as to generate revenue in order to ease pressure on Treasury.
For example where possible, space at Chanceries will be rented out to generate income.

This revenue will then be partly utilized for the operations of our diplomatic missions and posts.

9 25.

The remaining 85% or N$796,274,000 (Seven Hundred and Ninety Six Million, Two Hundred and Seventy Four Thousand Namibian Dollars) is allocated for the Operational Budget.

This amount will be utilized for various Programmes of the Ministry as follows: Programme 1: Regional and Bilateral Relations and Cooperation 26.
An amount ofN$18 054,000 (Eighteen Million, andfifty four thousand Namibia Dollars) is estimated for this Programme.

27.

Namibia maintains diplomatic relations with over 150 countries around the world.

Through these relations, we promote bilateral relations and cooperation, promote trade and investment, tourism and people to people contact.

28.

This programme facilitates State/Official!


Working Visits, coordinate outbound and host inbound Joint Commissions of Cooperation and Political and Diplomatic Consultations.

In our pursuit of sustained economic growth, our diplomatic missions are tasked to pursue economic diplomacy by among others sourcing markets for Namibian products.
It is through these mechanisms that the Ministry review progress and seek new opportunities to advance effective collaboration and cooperation with our bilateral partners.

29.

As will be recalled, the Governments of Namibia and Germany are engaged in negotiations on the 1904-1908 genocide.

These activities are budgeted for by the Ministry ofInternational Relations and Cooperation.
For accountability purposes and transparency, the Ministry with the authorization of Treasury, has opened a 10 separate account for these Funds.

The Ministry did not budget for 2019/2020, as the funds appropriated during the last financial year were sufficient.

Programme 2: Multilateral Policy Co-ordination 31.

With regard to this programme, a budget amount ofN$109,240,OOO (One Hundred and nine Million, Two Hundred and Forty Thousand Namibia Dollars) is proposed.

32.
32.

As a small state operating in a complex international system, Namibia attaches great importance to multilateralism.

Therefore, the Ministry will continue to actively participate in various regional and international conferences, such as the AU ClO meetings, Namibia-EU Political Dialogue, Non-Aligned Movement Conference, Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group, and TICAD.

33.
33.

At the SADC level, the Ministry will continue to operationalise the theme of the 38th SADC Summit on Youth Empowerment in the context of Industrialisation, as well as contribute to peace and security in our region.

34.

At the Continental level, Namibia will continue to prioritize AU Agenda 2063 and will host ministerial meetings to evaluate progress on the implementation of the Agenda 2063 and its 10-year Implementation Plan.

35.
35.

United Nations: Being a member of the international community, Namibia continues to participate in the activities and programs of the United Nations in order to contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security, promote respect for human rights, advance justice and international law, 11 and promote multilateralism.

We will also to incorporate UN Agenda 2030 in the National Development Plan.

Programme 3: Protocol and Consular 36.


A proposed amount ofN$14,220, 000.00 (Fourteen million Two hundred and Twenty thousand Namibian Dollars) was allocated to this programme.

37.

This program is responsible for State Protocol as well as the extension of Privileges and Immunities to Diplomats, Consular Corps, members of the International and Regional Organisations.
All the National events such as Independence Day Celebrations, Cassinga, Heroes Day Commemoration, State, Official and Hero's Funerals are facilitated under this Programme.

On request, this programme facilitates protocol training to such instituti~ms in need, both at national and regional levels.

-~ ;.,4:J1- Programme 4: Foreign Missions Representations 39.
The objectives of the Missions abroad are to promote and protect National interests, support the welfare of Namibia citizens abroad; provide consular services to Namibians and to students, tourists and business people including potential investors.

40.
40.

This programme consumes the biggest portion of the Ministry's budget, therefore an amount of N$587,190,000.00 (Five hundred and eighty seven million one hundred and ninety thousand Namibian Dollars) has been allocated for the operational costs of Namibian MissionslPosts abroad.

12 41.
12 41.

Resources appropriated for this programme would be utilized to enhance the functions of the 31 Namibian Missions and 3 Posts abroad, to carry out promotional activities as alluded to, lease office and pay for staff accommodation and remuneration to both home-based and locally recruited staff, payment of school fees and medical costs for staff and their dependents, maintenance of vehicles, equipment, to name just a few.

42.
42.

As we continue to broaden our diplomatic representation globally, and in order to serve better the needs of our people, I wish to announce that Namibia will commence with the process of opening an Embassy in the United Arab Emirates and a General Consulate in Lubumbashi - DRC during this financial year, under this programme.

43.
43.

The Ministry will convene the 9th Heads of Mission Conference during this financial year in order to review the performances of our diplomatic missions especially our economic diplomacy.

The conference will also map out the most effective ways of implementing our Policy on International Relations and Cooperation, in the best interest of the Namibia people, Programme 5: Coordination and Support Services 44.
An Amount ofN$67,570,OOO.OO (Sixty seven million five hundred and seventy thousand Namibian dollars) is the proposed allocation to this programme.

45.

Resources appropriated for this programme would be utilized for coordination and support services at Headquarters and the promotion of Namibia's image.

Our aim is to have the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation as an institution of excellence.
To this end and under this program, the Ministry 13 will appoint nationals with appropriate qualification and experience in the field of diplomacy, to spearhead the establishment of Namibian Diplomatic Academy by the year 2022.

47.

Information Communication Technology continues to change the conduct of diplomacy as the world is fast globalizing with constant emerging trends.
Information and Communication Technologies (lCTs) and social media platforms in the conduct of Public Diplomacy to help achieve the Ministry's strategic objectives, will be enhanced.

In the same vem, the website for the 34 Diplomatic Missions will be standardized, with the intention of creating a uniform identity for the Namibian Missions.

49.
49.

In addition, all the Namibian diplomatic Missions will be profiled in the print media, with the aim of informing and educating the public about the work carried out by Namibian Missions, and how the mission could be of help to our citizens.

Under this programme, the Ministry will continue to monitor the implementation of the Namibia's Policy on International Relations and Cooperation and convene the Dr Theo Ben Gurirab Lecture Series.
Honourable Chairperson of the Whole House Committee, Honourable Members, 51.

The proposal that I am tabling today before the August House therefore needs your support, to allow the Ministry ofInternational Relations and Cooperation to fulfill its mandate, and for Namibia to remain a trusted and respected member of the international community.

52.

Dedicated men and women at home and abroad are at the center of managing our Policy on International Relations and Cooperation.
At this juncture, I wish 14 to thank Honourable.

Christine IIHoebes, Deputy Minister of MIRCO, Ambassador Tuliameni Kalomoh, Special Advisor, Ambassador Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Executive Director and Namibia's Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Consul Generals, Honorary Consuls and all the staff of the Ministry for their steadfastness.

I also wish to thank all the Ambassadors and Staff who have retired during this financial year for their contribution.
Honourable Chairperson of the Whole House Committee, Honourable Members 53.

Now that I have presented to this August house an extensive overview of my Ministry's activities, I count on your support to approve the total amount of N$941,274, 000 (Nine Hundred and Forty One Million, Two hundred and Seventy Four Thousand Namibia Dollars) for the 2019/2020 financial year.

I THANK YOU.

15