Full speech of the Ambassador

REMARKS BY
Mrs. Jacqueline BASSA-MAZZONI
Ambassador of France in Namibia
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On the occasion of the 14th of July 2016
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14th of July 2016
Residence of France, Windhoek
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I wish you, along with the whole team of the embassy, a warm welcome at the residence of France,
for the celebration of the 14th of July, the Bastille Day!
Values
I am very happy to meet with you today to celebrate the two hundred and twenty seventh (227 th)
anniversary of the French National Day. Celebrating together this day, in Namibia and elsewhere,
means also to carry a universal message of freedom, equality and fraternity. Many tragic events
around the world constantly remind us how important these 3 words are.
Through the attacks which continued to hit France and many other countries (recently in Turkey,
Belgium, Irak, Bangladesh), the “living together” is threatened. In such difficult times, it is therefore
important to celebrate the national unity and the international solidarity against fanaticism and
intolerance. France is committed to fighting against terrorism for the peace and security in many
parts of the world, to defend and promote its values, now universal values: the liberty, the equality
and the fraternity: France’s motto.
These are core values we share with the Republic of Namibia, a young democracy, internationally
recognized for its stability, the smooth running of its institutions and for the freedom enjoyed by its
press.
It is therefore this fraternity so shared and common values that we celebrate today.
ilateral relations
Our two countries, as you all know, have excellent relations since 1981, when France had engaged
to support the unconditional right of Namibia to independence. From Independence, our friendship
is embodied by the Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre which we have celebrated the official opening
of the 25th anniversary 10 days ago. I am sure that this exceptional bilateral instrument of
cooperation will continue to play a leading role to exchange between our two countries and
cultures in the development of the Namibian artistic scene and the holding of debates on great
society topics and the contemporary Namibia.
A new area for cooperation is clearly emerging: the development of an economic relationship, a
priority for both Namibia and France, in order to better contribute to the prosperity of our two
countries. In keeping with the spirit of the Harambee Plan, the Embassy of France strives to
contribute to the Namibia's economic development goals, a vital objective to fight poverty.
Many French private companies have chosen to invest in Namibia and to contribute, in a win-win
spirit partnership, to the development of national skills and know-how, to create job and to foster
the emergence of new economic sectors producing more added value.
Renewable energy, water, infrastructures, automotive industry are sectors in which French
companies have a considerable expertise to bring to Namibia. France is ready to support Namibia
with these very strategical sectors. Last year in Paris, the French Namibian company INNOSUN has
signed a MoU with MET to develop a big windfarm, south of Lüderitz and BRGM has just signed last
week a MoU with MAWF inorder to support Namibia which is facing a severe water crisis.
COP21
The fraternity and the solidarity between our two countries has been well demonstrated through
the excellent cooperation on the occasion of the COP21 under the French presidency. France and
Namibia have been strongly involved players regarding the historic Paris Agreement against Climate
Change. The Namibian commitment was exemplary before and during the Paris Conference: with an
objective of 70% renewable energy by 2030, and with the active presence of HE President Geingob
and the Honorable Minister Pohamba Shifeta. Since Paris, the Agreement has been signed by both
our countries in April; is already ratified by my country and is about to be in Namibia. Through these
commitments, the Land of the Brave is more and more a pioneer in the field of the energy transition
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in the African continent. The development of solar and wind energy, has immense potential in
Namibia, and is for sure a concrete contribution to the Agenda of Solutions.
Communauté française
Mes chers compatriotes, un an après le transfert des compétences de la section consulaire de
Windhoek vers le consulat général de France à Johannesburg, nous pouvons dresser un premier
bilan positif et constater que les résidents français en Namibie continuent de bénéficier d’un
accompagnement de qualité. Les visites régulières de nos collègues d’Afrique du Sud et leurs efforts
pour offrir des services adaptés malgré la distance ont répondu à mes attentes et je l’espère aux
vôtres. Nous bénéficierons aussi de l’engagement de nos collègues de Johannesburg pour
l’organisation des élections présidentielles et législatives de l’année prochaine.
Cette régionalisation efficace de notre réseau consulaire illustre la capacité de notre administration
à s’adapter aux contraintes et aux nouveaux enjeux.
Remerciements
Chers compatriotes, je tiens à vous remercier toutes et tous de votre présence aujourd’hui, qui
témoigne du dynamisme de notre communauté française en Namibie, moteur de nos échanges
économiques, touristiques et culturels.
I would also like to thank everyone who has been involved in the present event: the team at the
residence, the team of the Franco Namibian Cultural Centre and of course the whole team of the
French embassy who work hard for the development of our bilateral relationship.
I wish, of course, to offer my warmest thanks to our Namibian guests with whom we cultivate and
maintain a frank, direct and transparent exchange which is the best guarantee of a well-established
relationship, rooted in a mutual trust. I would like here, and more specifically, to express all my
friendship to the Hon. Professor Peter Katjavivi, Speaker of the National Assembly, for his
outstanding contribution to the book: "France-Namibia: une rencontre/an encounter " that will be
distributed today. My deepest thanks go to Hon. Deputy-Minister Peya Mushelenga for his support
to the FNCC and given his personal contribution in favour of the development of the Francophonie
in Namibia and at the MIRCO as well.
Finally, let me express my deep appreciation to the many sponsors who have supported us to hold
this event and to welcome you at the Residence of France, under the best conditions.
My sincere thanks to the chefs and to the hospitality professionals who have prepared this buffet.
Before tasting it, I propose a toast to the health and to the success of our Presidents François
Hollande, President of the French Republic and Dr. Hage Geingob, President of the Republic of
Namibia.
Long live Namibia, long live the Franco-Namibian friendship, and long live France.
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