The Namibian government has confirmed that it will not participate in the Nordic-African Foreign Ministers' Meeting scheduled for November 19-20 in Oslo. According to Rosalia Uushona, chief foreign relations officer at the Ministry of International Relations and Trade, Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi will not attend the meeting. The decision comes as a surprise given Namibia's recent engagement with Norway on oil and gas technical support.
In April, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced that Norway had agreed to provide technical assistance to Namibia in the oil and gas sector. A Norwegian team that helped draft Namibia's Petroleum Act of 1992 visited the country in March and has been in contact with the oil unit. The Nordic-African Foreign Ministers' Meeting brings together government representatives, business leaders, and multilateral development institutions to discuss trade, investment, and economic cooperation.
The meeting provides a platform for African and Nordic countries to explore trade and investment opportunities. Retired diplomat Pius Dunaiski believes Namibia's absence sends a negative diplomatic signal to Norway. He argues that Namibia needs international support, particularly in the oil and gas sector, and that Norway's expertise and experience would be beneficial.
Dunaiski notes that Norway is a prime example of a country that has managed its natural resources ethically. He suggests that Namibia should try to repair its relationship with Norway, as the Nordic country has much to offer in terms of technology and policy experience. Dunaiski recommends that the president consider sending an envoy to Norway's prime minister to mend ties.
Political analyst Marius Kudumo has also questioned Namibia's decision to decline the invitation. He believes that Namibia has many interests that can be advanced through the Nordic countries, which have a history of providing genuine support. Kudumo cites the Namibia Association of Norway, a non-profit organization that helped develop Namibia's education system after independence.
Kudumo argues that Namibia's absence from the meeting sends a message that it is not interested in maintaining good relations with Norway. He finds it puzzling that Namibia has an embassy in Norway, but its ambassador will not attend the meeting. The analyst believes that Namibia stands to benefit from Norway's expertise and experience in the oil and gas sector.
The decision to decline the invitation has raised concerns among experts, who believe that Namibia needs all the international support it can get to succeed in the oil and gas sector. The Nordic-African Foreign Ministers' Meeting provides a unique opportunity for Namibia to engage with Norway and other Nordic countries on trade and investment issues.
Key points
- Namibia declines Nordic-African Foreign Ministers' Meeting invitation
- Norway had agreed to provide technical assistance to Namibia in the oil and gas sector
- Experts believe Namibia's absence sends a negative diplomatic signal to Norway and may hinder its progress in the oil and gas sector
