President Hage Geingob has welcomed ongoing dialogue to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, saying Namibia is pained by the horror and devastation that war brings.
Delivering the 2022 State of the Nation Address in Parliament on Wednesday, Geingob said as a country that believes in regional, continental and international harmony, Namibia is pained to witness conflict between neighbouring states, stressing that where diplomacy fails, conflicts begin.
“We know and remember the pain and suffering it inflicts, the dreams it shatters, and the hopes it destroys. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their families and all affected by this serious conflict,” he noted.
Geingob further noted that the Russian-Ukraine conflict presents new uncertainties for the global economy that have affected commodity prices, capital markets and investments, noting that the war has a direct impact on Namibia’s economic prospects and recovery projections.
He said as Namibians reimage the year 2022, there is a need to realise that the old ways of doing things can no longer bring the results needed for prosperity.
Geingob then referenced the saying, ‘If opportunity does not knock, build a door’. He said instead of building more walls, it is time to build more doors.
“By holding hands and building new doors, we will ensure that the welcoming knocks of opportunity echo throughout the foundation of our Namibian House. By standing together, shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand, we will be able to safeguard the future of the most precious gift we have, the only place we can call home, our sanctuary, our motherland, Namibia,” said the president.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency