Building on longstanding ties between the two countries, President Dr Patrick Herminie welcomed efforts to deepen Seychelles–Namibia relations through greater practical cooperation following the accreditation of H.E. Ms Nangula F. Ithete as Namibia’s High Commissioner to Seychelles.
Ms Ithete presented her credentials to President Dr Patrick Herminie at State House, where the two discussed the historical ties between Seychelles and Namibia and opportunities to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
President Herminie welcomed the High Commissioner and said he is encouraged by her enthusiasm and commitment to working closely with Seychelles during her tenure.
The President reflected on the strong historical ties between the two countries, noting that the friendship between Seychelles and Namibia predates the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1991. Seychelles maintained close ties with Namibia’s founding President, the late Dr Sam Nujoma, during the country’s struggle for independence.
Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in fisheries, aquaculture and the Blue Economy, including sustainable ocean governance, fisheries management and maritime security. Opportunities for greater collaboration in maritime surveillance, fisheries enforcement and capacity-building were also explored.
Health was another area identified for closer cooperation, particularly through the exchange of professionals, training and capacity-building. The two sides also discussed renewable energy, including opportunities for Seychelles to benefit from Namibia’s experience and expertise in emerging areas such as green hydrogen.
Sport also featured in the discussions, with possibilities for exchanges in coaching, training and youth development, including opportunities to draw on Namibia’s experience in rugby and other sporting disciplines.
The President further highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation through regional and international organisations, particularly the African Union and the Southern African Development Community.
Following her meeting with President Herminie, the High Commissioner-designate also met with Vice-President Sebastien Pillay, with discussions focusing on education, tourism, parliamentary diplomacy and the exchange of expertise between the two countries.
Vice-President Pillay also expressed interest in Namibia’s extractive industry and sought insight into the country’s mining sector, including foreign ownership and participation. The discussions provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on Namibia’s experience in developing and managing the sector.
Tourism was identified as another area with potential for closer cooperation, particularly through the exchange of expertise and experience between the two countries. Education also featured as an avenue for further collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
Parliamentary diplomacy formed part of the discussions, with both sides recognising the potential for closer engagement between the legislative institutions of Seychelles and Namibia. Ms Ithete’s extensive parliamentary experience was also highlighted during the exchange.
The meetings reaffirmed the close historical relationship between Seychelles and Namibia while placing greater emphasis on translating those ties into practical cooperation across sectors that can deliver mutual benefits for both countries.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.
