Kaleb Nghishidivali
President Hage Geingob will receive His Excellency President Sauli Niinistö of the Republic of Finland during a State Visit to the Republic of Namibia on Thursday, 27 April 2023 and Friday, 28 April 2023 in Windhoek.
Namibia and Finland have a connection that dates back more than 150 years, according to a statement released yesterday, April 23, 2023. Namibia and Finland’s historical relationships have evolved over time, and both nations are dedicated to further expanding and strengthening their collaboration and relations.
During this state visit, President Geingob and his counterpart are expected to address the global political situation, global challenges, and bilateral relations between the two countries.
“Within the context of SADC cooperation, Finland funded a number of programs on sustainable water management. The visit is part of Finland’s engagement with Africa and is part of its strategic goal of growing connections with Africa, which includes extending its diplomatic presence, supporting the African Agenda, and boosting commercial links,” the statement adds.
It is also stated that during the visit, Namibia will engage Finland within the scope of bilateral cooperation and the Finland Africa Strategy.
According to the statement, Finland is Namibia’s key international partner on a wide range of global issues, including increasing multilateralism, international law, peacebuilding and mediation, gender and human rights advancements, and renewable energy concerns.
In addition to Official Talks with President Geingob, President Niinistö will lay a wreath in honor of Namibia’s heroes and heroines at the Heroes’ Acre in Windhoek on April 27, 2023.
“On Friday, 28 April 2023, President Niinistö will meet with Namibian Prime Minister, Hon. Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, and Speaker of the National Assembly of Namibia, Hon. Peter Hitjitevi Katjavivi,” according to a press release from the presidency.
President Niinistö will be accompanied by a business delegation from Finland’s major economic sectors.
President Niinistö will attend a business seminar at the Hilton Hotel in Windhoek on Friday, 28 April 2023, with the themes: Accelerating implementation of the Fourth Industrial Revolution by leveraging partnerships and innovation to promote the Green Transition for job creation and poverty eradication, and Advancing Policy Reforms to enhance integrated solutions for sustainable and inclusive growth in Namibia.
“The purpose of this visit is to discuss how Namibia and Finland can collaborate to promote a green transition and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, as well as to strengthen bilateral trade between Namibia and Finland.” The specific goals are to “strengthen business partnerships between the two countries in order to promote trade and investment in key sectors; identify sectors with the greatest potential to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in Namibia; and generate export potential for Namibian-Finnish goods and services into Finland.”
Finland is one of Namibia’s top twenty trading partners. Namibia’s total exports to the Finnish market are N$1.8 billion, a decrease from N$785.0 million in 2021.Namibia’s imports from Finland, on the other hand, surged to N$1.1 billion in 2022 from N$388.6 million the previous year (2021).
Former President Tarja Halonen made the latest State Visit from the Republic of Finland to the Republic of Namibia in 2011, 12 years ago.
