PM Modi conferred with highest civilian award of Namibia

PM Narendra Modi conferred with the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis, the highest civilian award of Namibia. President of Namibia, Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah presented the award to him.

PM Modi on Wednesday was conferred with the highest civilian award of Namibia, Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis. The award came during PM Modi's visit to the country during his five-nation tour that he began in the start of July.

This is the first visit of Prime Minister Modi to Namibia and he is the third-ever Prime Minister to visit from India to the country.

The Prime Minister was received by Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Minister of International Relations and Trade of Namibia, at the airport. He was accorded a traditional welcome on his arrival in the country.

"Landed in Windhoek a short while ago. Namibia is a valued and trusted African partner with whom we seek to boost bilateral cooperation. Looking forward to meeting President Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and addressing the Namibian Parliament today," PM Modi posted on X.

During his visit to the country, PM Modi will hold bilateral talks with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and will also address the Namibian Parliament. PM Modi's visit to Namibia comes after the invitation of President Nandi-Ndaitwah, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a press release.

Meanwhile, PM Modi also said in an X post, "President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and I reviewed the full range of India-Namibia relations during our talks today. Cooperation in areas such as digital technology, defence, security, agriculture, healthcare, education and critical minerals figured prominently in our discussions."

The award of Namibia was established in 1995 - shortly after Namibia gained independence in 1990, to recognise distinguished service and leadership.

It has been named after the Welwitschia Mirabilis, a unique and ancient desert plant endemic to Namibia, the order symbolises resilience, longevity and the enduring spirit of the Namibian people.

“By the power vested in me by the Namibian Constitution, I have the honour to confer the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis to Narendra Modi, PM of India who has significantly contributed to social-economic development and the promotion of peace and justice in Namibia and globally," Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of Namibia, said.