Namibia commits to balanced global diplomacy

By: Envaalde Matheus 

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has pledged to balance international relations and strengthen ties with global powers, including the U.S., China, and Russia—in Namibia’s national interest.

In an interview with Al Jazeera, she revealed that both U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping sent congratulatory messages and special envoys to her inauguration.

While she has not received direct calls from either Trump or Jinping, Nandi-Ndaitwah said Namibia intends to deepen cooperation with both nations, focusing on mutual development and diplomatic respect.

“I will endeavor to strengthen cooperation with all countries of the world in the best interest of Namibia and in the best interest of the world, ensuring that the citizens of this world enjoy the world in which they live,” said Nandi-Ndaitwah.

Her comments are part of Namibia’s broader foreign policy strategy, aimed at strengthening relationships with global powers, particularly in economic and diplomatic engagements.

Nandi-Ndaitwah also confirmed that negotiations with the German government over the colonial-era genocide are expected to resume once both governments are fully reconstituted following recent elections.

“A figure of 1.1 billion euro was given, we introduced it into our parliament and the parliament send the government back, we engaged the Germans and where we stand now, the Germans have undertook to increase or to give additional resources as part of the reparation.” said Nandi-Ndaitwah.

She said both Namibia and Germany had experienced changes in leadership following recent elections.

“Namibia, we got our, we had our election in November and our new government was just put in place on the 22nd when the new Cabinet was established. And then now for the Germans, they also had elections and once the two governments are now fully established, we will then resume and then hopefully we are going to conclude that negotiation,” she said.