WINDHOEK - Newly appointed Namibian permanent representative to the African Union, Her Excellency Anne Namakau Mutelo, last week presented her credentials to the outgoing chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Dr Jean Ping.

Welcoming the new permanent representative, the AUC chairperson described Namibia as a very active AU Member State and pledged his full support and that of the entire Commission, to enable Ambassador Mutelo to accomplish her mission.

“Namibia’s commitment to the Union is well known. During my visits to Windhoek, I have been pleased to note that the African Union flag is flown alongside the flag of Namibia and the AU anthem is sung alongside the national anthem.

“This strong commitment to our Pan-African organisation dates back to Namibia’s liberation struggle under the eminent leadership of H.E. President Sam Nujoma,” the chairperson said. He said cooperation between the African Union and the Republic of Namibia will continue.

“The African Union is greater than any individual and wherever I go, I will continue to pray for our continental organisation,” said Ambassador Mutelo on her part.

She praised the chairperson for receiving her credentials, less than a week after her arrival in Addis Ababa and reiterated Namibia’s firm commitment to the goals and ideals of the AU.

“Namibia is the product of the solidarity of the Organization of African Unity [the predecessor of the AU] and we will never forget that. Even though you are leaving the Commission, we cannot forget your enormous contribution to peace and stability in Africa.
We wish you well, wherever you go from here,” she further said during the accreditation ceremony.

Mutelo extended the appreciation of the government and people of Namibia to the chairperson and the entire Commission, for their role in assisting Namibia to secure the continental nomination for the Green Climate Fund.

Other new permanent representatives that presented their credentials are Mahendr Dosieah of the Republic of Mauritius and Ali Bahreini the new Permanent Observer of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the African Union.