FOREIGN
RELATIONS
Namibia follows a largely independent foreign policy, with lingering affiliations with states that aided the independence struggle, including Libya, the People's Republic of China, and Cuba.
Namibia
is developing trade and strengthening economic and political ties
within the Southern African region. A dynamic member of the Southern
African Development Community and the Southern African Customs
Union, Namibia is a vocal advocate for greater regional integration.
Namibia
became the 160th member of the United Nations on April 23, 1990,
and the 50th member of the British Commonwealth upon independence.
U.S.-NAMIBIAN
RELATIONS
U.S.-Namibian relations are good and continue to improve. Characterized by shared democratic values, commitment to rule of law, and respect for human rights, the bilateral relationship has been strengthened through trade ties and U.S. assistance programs. Namibia has been included in President Bush's International Mother and Child HIV Initiative and the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. The U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID) bilateral presence in Namibia has been extended until 2010. In addition to the Embassy, the Centers for Disease Control, Peace Corps, and the Defense Department have offices in Windhoek. The Millennium Challenge Corporation has also established a permanent presence in Windhoek following the July 28, 2008 signing of a Compact agreement valued at approximately $304.5 million.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The constitution defines the role of the military as "defending the territory and national interests." Following independence, Namibia formed the National Defense Force (NDF), comprised of former enemies in a 23-year bush war, the PLAN and South West African territorial force. The NDF consists of five battalions and a small headquarters element. The NDF has a modest air wing and a maritime wing. Namibia contributed 900 troops to UN peacekeeping efforts in Liberia and has offered to volunteer troops to support peacekeeping operations in Darfur.
Namibia has had defense cooperation at various levels with several countries, including the United States. It also participates in regional peacekeeping efforts. The U.S. does not have an Article 98 agreement with Namibia.
Principal U.S. Embassy Officials
Ambassador--Dennise Mathieu
Deputy Chief of Mission--Matthew Harrington
Public Affairs Officer--Ray Castillo
Political Officer--Emily Plumb
Economic/Commercial Officer--Frank DeParis
Consular Officer--John La Rochelle
The U.S. Embassy in Namibia is located at 14 Lossen Street, Windhoek (tel. 61-295-8554).
