Windhoek:Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, has defended the role of foreign diplomatic missions in Namibia, emphasizing that their contribution extends beyond financial donations, sponsorships, and humanitarian assistance. Her remarks came in response to inquiries from National Democratic Party leader Martin Lukato in the National Assembly.

According to Namibia Press Agency , Ashipala-Musavyi stated that diplomatic missions are primarily established to promote bilateral relations, facilitate trade, and strengthen cooperation between countries. Lukato had requested detailed information on the contributions made by foreign diplomats, including the total value of donations, sponsorships, development projects, and other assistance provided since the establishment of their missions.

Ashipala-Musavyi explained that the functions of diplomatic missions are governed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961, which does not require foreign missions to provide financial or material assistance to host countries. She noted that Article 3 of the convention outlines the primary functions of diplomatic missions, which include representing their respective countries and protecting the interests of their governments and nationals.

The minister stressed that while donations and sponsorships are voluntary acts of goodwill, foreign missions are not obligated to act as development agencies. She highlighted the importance of diplomatic missions in maintaining peace, facilitating trade, and protecting citizens. Ashipala-Musavyi also mentioned that such contributions often result from proactive diplomatic engagements aligned with Namibia's development priorities.

She provided examples of potential contributions from foreign missions, such as sponsoring school libraries, supplying technical equipment to health facilities, and offering scholarships to Namibian students through bilateral agreements.