REPUBLIC OF

OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER WELCOMING REMARKS BY THE RIGHT HON. -AMADHILA PRIME MINISTER OF THE REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA AT CABINET RETREAT 03 DECEMBER 2020 COUNTRY CLUB & RESORT WINDHOEK

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Director of Ceremonies  Your Excellency Dr Hage G. Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia;  Your Excellency Dr , Vice President of the Republic Namibia;  Hon Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation;  Hon Sophia Shaningwa, Secretary General of the Swapo Party;  Honourable Ministers and Deputy Ministers;  Honourable Governors;  Distinguished invited guests;  Senior government officials  Members of the Media;  Ladies and Gentlemen.

A very Good Morning!

1. I wish to extend a hearty welcome to all of you to this important event. I extend a special welcome to the invited guests, some of whom come from abroad, and to thank them for taking time from their busy schedules to be with us today and share their insights on the range of issues that make the agenda of our retreat over the two days.

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2. The agenda of our retreat includes some of the most critical issues that we, as policy makers and administrators, have to not only tackle, but resolve with expediency, if our country is to attain its development goals. It is thus of utmost importance that we seriously reflect on the best approaches for dealing with them.

3. The participation of the esteemed invited guests in these deliberations provides an opportunity for us to tap into the wealth of expertise and experience that they offer. We, therefore, look forward with great anticipation to the presentations and interactions during the discussions.

4. This retreat has come at an opportune time, given the socio-economic situation prevailing in the country that have tested us as a society and an economy.

5. This engagement is also in the spirit of consultations and unity of purpose and action which are the principles underlying the HPP. We are inspired by the President’s zeal and passion for pursuing the development goals that we have set for ourselves as a country. That His Excellency will convene this gathering after a heavy schedule of activities throughout this year is testimony of his unyielding commitment to ensuring visionary leadership that will enable our country to realize our national vision.

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6. The retreat is the most appropriate way to end this rather eventful year and an indeed a year with special significance, being the first in his second tenure as President. It provides an opportunity for us to get better equipped to start the New Year 2021 with increased vigour.

7. I, therefore, wish to call on all of us to embrace this opportunity presented to us and ensure that this retreat reaches its desired outcome by having in- depth and frank discussions.

8. On this note, I wish to invite His Excellency the President to deliver his keynote address and set the tone for our discussion. I THANK YOU

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