Excellencies
Invited Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen，
I wish to warmly welcome you all to this occasion that is marking the 32 years Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Namibia. Thirty-two years ago, on 21 March 1990, Namibia was born as an independent and sovereign state, following more than a century of colonial rule by various colonial powers and a protracted war of liberation by successive generations of our people. We are gathered here to honour our 32nd Independence Anniversary. We thank you all most sincerely for honouring us with your presence.
Excellencies
Distinguished Guests
Indeed, toady we celebrate belated 32 years of democracy, peace, stability and unity. It is unity that has kept us together, through thick and thin. It is a unity that will take us towards realizing the dream of prosperity.
In his address during the 32nd independence anniversary in Swakopmund, Dr Hage Godfried Geingob, the 3rd President of our country, said that “over the years, we have developed processes, systems and institutions that have buttressed our Governance Architecture. We have improved and expanded access to primary education and expanded access to medical care and, we have expanded the supply of safe and clean drinking water to rural areas. We have expanded our physical and communications infrastructure, including building new roads, modernizing our harbours and rolling out mobile telecommunications technology throughout the country”.
Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests
Namibia turned 32 years on 21 March 2022/last month. We take pride in the road our people have travelled since independence. We are proud that we have consolidated peace and stability, developed strong macro-economic economic and physical infrastructure and brought basic amenities to previously disadvantaged people such as potable water, electricity, roads, shelter as well as free primary and secondary education.
To further give practical meaning to our National Development Plans and long-term vision, Vision 2030, our President Hage Geingob has declared war on poverty eradication and addressing inequality as number one priorities of his administration. The President has further rallied the nation to pull together in one direction as per the spirit of Harambee.
As we commemorate our independence, we are also honouring the 34th anniversary of the victorious Battle of Cuito Cuanavale, a historic battle that culminated not only in the freedom and independence of Namibia but that of the entire SADC region. As you join us in celebrating the milestones our country has reached in the past twenty-five years and visualizing the way ahead for our nation, we also make use of the opportunity to pay homage and tribute to those of our compatriots who sacrificed for the freedom and independence we are enjoying today, including the hundreds of thousands who laid down their lives and shed their precious blood for our Motherland. It is their blood that waters our freedom!
Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests
I would like to quote our President Dr Hage Geingob and I quote: "Namibia is a child of international solidarity". As we celebrate our independence, we pay tribute to all friendly countries for their unwavering solidarity and all-round contribution rendered towards our liberation struggle for the total independence of Namibia, in particular the unconditional support provided by Angola.
We are always indebted to many of your esteemed governments and peoples that stood by us during the difficult days in our history as a people. I want to quote from the farewell statement of H.E. Hifikepunye Pohamba, second and former President of Namibia in this regard and I quote: “In the same vein, Namibia will remain indebted, and we say thank you to the friendly countries, organizations and individuals who stood by us and supported us during the national liberation struggle. I would like to single out the United Republic of Tanzania, the Republic of Angola, the Republic of Zambia and the Republic of Cuba for their steadfast and selfless support to the Namibian people under the leadership of SWAPO” end of quote. I also wish to add the Frontline States and Nigeria and the fact that Namibia’s case for self determination and freedom was brought before the United Nations
We will therefore, continue to play our level best in contributing to the maintenance of international peace and security and the promotion of good neighbourliness and being our neighbour’s keeper. Our Constitution and our people require us to promote the resolution of international conflicts through peaceful means.
Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
Once again, we appreciate your presence at this joyous occasion. May God bless Namibia, China, Africa and the world.
At this juncture, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation to all who made this dinner possible in particular Ms. Laura Li, Beijing Shangyong Management Consulting Company. And my unconditional thanks and appreciation also go to the staff of the Embassy towards making this event a success.
Muito Obrigada
Merci Beacoup
Xie Xie
I Thank You
May I now ask you all to join me as I propose a toast to the continued good health of His Excellency President Xi Jinping and to His Excellency President Hage G. Geingob to lasting friendship and solidarity between our two countries and peoples.
To the health of President Xi Jinping!
To the health of President Dr Hage Geingob!
Long Live the Friendship between China and Namibia!
（STATEMENNT BY H.E. DR. ELIA G. KAIYAMO, AMBASSADOR OF THE REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA TO THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA AT THE RECEPTION TO MARK THE 32 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY OF THE REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA ，BEIJING, CHINA）
Attachment: introduction to the national emblem of Namibia.
The national emblem of Namibia is a shield micro with a national flag in the center. The yellow at the bottom of the shield micro represents the vast Namib Desert; There is a white ribbon embedded under the desert, on which the country's constitutional principles are engraved in English: "unity, freedom and justice".
