By: Anton Mbinge
The European Union’s (EU) ambassador to Namibia Sinika Antila said that research creates opportunities for all stakeholders to contribute to the advancement of the body of knowledge in the interest of sustainable development.
Antila, who was speaking during the commemoration of the 20 years partnership between Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust)and the EU, stated they are committed to international cooperation in research and academic mobility.
Speaking on various partnerships between EU and NUST, Antila said their first project was the creation of the NUST hotel school between 2002 and 2003 and the EU is happy to see that it continues to provide vital skills for numerous young Namibians.
According to Antila, other partnerships span across many areas ranging from human resources development and indigenous languages in culture, renewable energy and agriculture.
"We trust that the current cooperation programmes will provide a valuable contribution to enhancing knowledge and skills for economic diversification, including development of technologies and innovations for agribusiness services and renewable energy industries," stated Antila.
The ambassador further said that the EU will boost financial support for its flagship education programme known as ERASMUS, which promotes cultural exchange, cooperation among educational institutions. Antila said Sub-Sahara Africa is the highest recipient region with a EUR 570 million allocation.
Finance deputy minister, Maureen Hinda-Mbuende, expressed her appreciation to the EU for their commitment to support various developmental projects in Namibia and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
"The good-will and friendly relations are further dully demonstrated by the multi-annual indicative programme, and regionally the economic Partnership Agreement with SADC, of which Namibia is both a member and beneficiary," stated Hinda-Mbuende.
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