Республика Намибия
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks during talks with Namibian Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Peya Mushelenga, Moscow, March 26, 2024
Mr Minister,
Friends,
Welcome to Moscow. You have visited Russia many times while holding various posts, but this is your first time here as Foreign Minister. As far as I know, this is one of your first trips in this capacity. We can see a special meaning in your decision to come to Moscow and in what Namibia thinks about developing its partnership with Russia. I can assure you that this feeling is shared.
You have a busy programme, including a meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, which you will co-chair with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Trutnev.
Your predecessor, Ms Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has become Vice President of Namibia. When you return home, please convey to her my warmest greetings and heartfelt wishes for new successes.
On March 21, Namibia celebrated Independence Day. President of Russia Vladimir Putin sent a message of greetings to President Nangolo Mbumba. I would like to echo these greetings to your state and people and the wishes for new achievements.
We express our sincere gratitude for the condolences conveyed by President Nangolo Mbumba in connection with the terrible terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall on March 22. We appreciate this approach of our friends. I would like to personally thank you for the sympathy and support that you expressed by making an entry in the Book of Condolences opened at the Russian Foreign Ministry.
The friendly feelings between our nations provide a firm foundation for the development of relations in all areas. I hope that today we will discuss what additional steps our foreign ministries can take to further promote these relations.