On the 24th of September, Ambassador Maria Pavlova had a meeting with HE Mrs Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Vice President of the Republic of Namibia in her Office in Windhoek, Namibia. During the conversation, Mrs Nandi-Ndaitwah reaffirmed the bonds of friendship with Bulgaria as a country, which had helped the Namibians in their just struggle against the Apartheid, including by training of qualified specialists, who participated in the building of the independent state. She expressed conviction that the historically forged relations of friendship, solidarity and mutual respect are solid foundation for deepening the bilateral relations and their potential in the interest of the two peoples’ development.

During the meeting opportunities for enhancing the political dialogue and cooperation between the two countries were discussed in the fields of trade, economy and mutual investments. In the context of the ongoing campaign for parliamentary and presidential elections in Namibia, Mrs Nandi-Ndaitwah, who is the candidate for a president of the governing party SWAPO, acquainted the Bulgarian Ambassador with the programme priorities of the Government for achieving sustainable economic growth, attracting investments and building of inclusive society in Namibia. Ambassador Pavlova assured the Vice President of the willingness of the Bulgarian side to continue working for fostering the political dialogue and enhancing the trade and economic cooperation in the fields of common interest. She discussed with Mrs Nandi-Ndaitwah the possible priorities for mutually beneficial cooperation and partnerships in sectors like agriculture and innovations, information technologies and digital connectivity, scientific research and educational exchange. The Vice President thanked for the decision of the Bulgarian Government to start providing official development aid in the key area of access to quality and inclusive education in the small towns and villages of rural Namibia through partnerships with local educational institutions and municipalities. Ambassador Pavlova renewed the invitation, extended to the Vice President during former official visits, to visit Bulgaria in a convenient time.

In a constructive and friendly spirit were held Ambassador Pavlova’s meetings with the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of Namibia, HE Mr Peya Mushelenga, as well as with senior officials at the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform and the Ministry of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation. During her visit, the Bulgarian Ambassador had fruitful conversations with the management of the University of Namibia and the Namibia University of Science and Technology in view of facilitating their contacts and cooperation with Bulgarian higher institutions with similar profiles and programmes.