Windhoek (Namibia), June 18 (ANI): President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday lauded the stellar role played by the Indian Diaspora in Namibia, saying that he had been informed that the community's contributions have gone a long way in strengthening the ties of friendship between the two countries.
"I have been informed by the Indian High Commission that the community here, even if small in numbers, is vibrant and well regarded. You are engaged in different professions, including business, trade, engineering, medicine and even ecclesiastical services. You represent a microcosm of Indian society. You are here representing the great nation that India is, and, you are, in your own ways, playing a stellar role in further strengthening the ties of friendship between India and Namibia," President Mukherjee said at a reception organized for the Indian community here.
He reiterated that relations between India and Namibia are marked by both trust and understanding, and added that the Indian government has tremendous goodwill and affection for the Namibian people.
Both countries, he said, are close partners in several developmental activities, and so far, over 1000 Namibian officials have received training in India under the ITEC programme.
"I am confident that the USD 5 million worth of computers and ICT equipment gifted recently by India to Namibia will strengthen the health infrastructure in Namibia. I am glad that the faculty of IT and Mining Technology of the University of Namibia, built with a USD 12 million grant from India, is contributing to human resource development and capacity building in this friendly country. I thanked (Namibia's) President Dr. Hage G Geingob for creating the enabling environment for our cooperation to flourish," said President Mukherjee.
He informed the Indian Diaspora and community that he had very productive discussions with the Namibian leadership which covered the entire gamut of bilateral ties between the two countries.
"We are both convinced that the future trajectory of our relations is only upward. We have identified several areas, including business and trade, culture, health, ICT, education and training, etc., for priority attention," said the Indian president.
He also said that it was a singular honour for him to be given the opportunity to address the joint session of the Namibian Parliament on Thursday, and added that the agreements inked during the visit would contribute to a further cementing of ties and provide a framework for action in several new areas.
He also made a mention of initiatives such as the "Skill India, Make in India, Digital India and 100 Smart Cities". These schemes, he said, Namibia could accept and assimilate for its own benefit both in the short as well as the long term.
"I am confident that the transformation in the Indian economy will create even more symbiotic linkages with the Namibian economy and her people in the times to come.. Our partnership will truly be a win-win situation for both countries," he said.
He concluded by saying that it is a matter of comfort to know that the approximately 250-strong Indian community is made to feel welcome and secure in Namibia.
