Windhoek: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Tuesday said Namibia's foreign policy is increasingly being shaped by economic diplomacy, describing it as a central instrument for advancing the country's national development objectives. The president made the remarks while addressing members of the diplomatic corps during her New Year's reception at State House.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasized that the shift towards economic diplomacy is reflected in the renaming of the Ministry of International Relations to the Ministry of International Relations and Trade, highlighting a strengthened focus on trade and investment promotion. She stated that Namibia is determined to ensure that international partnerships yield tangible benefits such as increased investment, expanded trade, skills development, technology transfer, and sustainable employment opportunities.

The president expressed appreciation for the support of international partners in implementing Namibia's Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), noting their contributions have bolstered institutional capacity and promoted inclusive and sustainable development. She commended ambassadors, high commissioners, and representatives of international organizations for fostering mutual understanding and enhancing bilateral ties.

Meanwhile, Namibia continues to expand partnerships across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Americas, the Caribbean, and the Middle East, based on mutual respect and practical cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, food security, education, health, technology, and tourism. Namibia also remains a committed advocate of multilateralism, which Nandi-Ndaitwah described as the most effective approach to addressing complex global challenges. As a nation born of multilateralism, Namibia continues to engage constructively in regional and international organizations, including SADC, the African Union, the United Nations, and the Commonwealth.