Address by High Commissioner of India Mandarapu Subbarayudu at the occasion of the State Memorial Service fot eh late President of Namibia, Dr. Hage G. Geingob

• His Excellency Dr Nangolo Mbumba, President of the Republic of Namibia
• H.E. Dr. Sam Nujoma, Founding President, H. E. Dr. Pohamba, 2^nd President
• Madame Monica Geingos, former First Lady
• Excellencies, Heads of State & Government and Delegations
• Ladies and Gentlemen

It is with heavy heart that I, representing the people and Government of the Republic of India, join you at this State Memorial Service to pay our respectful tribute to His Excellency Dr. Hage G. Geingob, the third President of the Republic of Namibia.

Let me mention that the widespread sorrow and deep sense of loss experienced across Namibia at the demise of their beloved leader is also felt and shared in India. There was an outpouring of grief when the news reached the shores of my country, because President Geingob was a friend of India who believed in the true potential of India – Namibia partnership for the development and prosperity of people.

His Excellency Dr. Hage G Geingob will be remembered as a fearless freedom fighter, visionary leader, chief architect of Namibia’s Constitution, passionate nation-builder and an international statesman with deep commitment to universal values and principles of freedom, equality, justice, peace and harmony.

When the history of evolution of partnership between India and Namibia is browsed, we see how prominently His Excellency Dr. Hage G Geingob was part of that decades-old collaboration marked by solidarity and friendship.

When the first ever SWAPO Diplomatic Mission was inaugurated in New Delhi in 1986, he was there. When greater cooperation was being planned, he was there in India as Namibia’s Prime Minister in 1995 and as President in 2015. Delhi University felicitating His Excellency Geingob with an Honorary Doctorate was a small demonstration of their admiration.

I had the privilege of presenting my credentials to His Excellency President Geingob and opportunity to listen to his inspiring memories linked to India and ideas to take forward the relationship. The interest and well-being of the people of Namibia was above everything for His Excellency.

On behalf of the Government of India, I pay tribute and bid farewell to a formidable leader and friend of India. I convey the condolences and prayers of the people of India. May the departed leader rest in peace.

I thank you.