On Wednesday in Algiers, Algerian State Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Community Abroad, and African Affairs, Ahmed Attaf, praised the “strong ties” between Algeria and Namibia. He advocated for “the strengthening of cooperation” between the two nations to fulfill the “legitimate aspirations” of their peoples.
“Algeria and Namibia have always maintained solid connections at both bilateral and multilateral levels,” Attaf stated during the inauguration ceremony of the Namibian embassy in Algiers.
The Foreign Minister emphasized that both countries have consistently supported just and legitimate causes for justice and freedom, particularly in Western Sahara and Palestine. He highlighted their shared advocacy for political unity and economic integration across the African continent, as well as their strong call for a new world order based on principles of justice, equity, and inclusion.
“We are aligned on all fronts, steadfast in the principles and ideals that shape our identities both domestically and internationally,” remarked Attaf.
In this light, he viewed the inauguration of the Namibian embassy in Algiers as “an appropriate occasion to celebrate the remarkable progress made” by both nations towards “promoting democratic governance and economic prosperity,” warmly congratulating Namibia on “the resounding success of the recent general elections.”
“We look forward to continuing our collaboration with our Namibian brothers and sisters to achieve enhanced political coordination and economic cooperation, and to implement our common objectives and priorities at both bilateral and multilateral levels. May our partnership strengthen further to address the legitimate aspirations of our peoples and those of our cherished continent,” he urged.
Stressing that the relationship between the two nations is “deeply rooted in their glorious history,” Attaf expressed Algeria’s pride in having hosted one of SWAPO’s (the former Namibian liberation movement) first offices abroad in Algiers in 1963. He noted that diplomatic relations were established on March 21, 1990, the very day Namibia officially declared its independence.
“We are also particularly proud of the multifaceted support Algeria provided to Namibia’s struggle for independence,” he added.
For his part, Namibian Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Peya Mushelenga, underscored Algeria’s support for Namibia during its fight for independence.
“We still remember the arms donation to the then-president of SWAPO,” he said during the ceremony, affirming that these weapons were used in the very first battle of the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN) in 1966.
He recalled that the second-in-command of PLAN, the late Dimo Hamaambo, received his military training in Algeria, “following in the footsteps of giants like Nelson Mandela and Samora Machel.”
The Namibian Foreign Minister further asserted that his country is “grateful” for the “significant” cooperation in various areas, although he acknowledged that “there is still much to be done together.”
Additionally, the Namibian minister highlighted the “convergence of views” between Algeria and Namibia on the international stage, recalling that both nations are “committed to self-determination and independence for peoples subjected to colonial servitude,” specifically referring to Western Sahara and Palestine, which faces “genocide.”
“Africa, along with all progressive nations worldwide, can take pride in Algeria. Since its independence, Algeria has consistently offered support and cooperation not only to Namibia but also to many other countries across our continent,” he concluded.
