Windhoek: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Wednesday conferred with Namibia’s highest civilian award, the ‘Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis’.
The award was presented by Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
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.
Addressing a gathering after being conferred with the honour, PM Modi said, “Namibia’s Welwitschia, after which this award is named, is not an ordinary plant. It is like an elder in the household, one who has witnessed the passage of time. It symbolises Namibia’s struggle, courage, and culture.
“It stands as a witness to the unbreakable friendship between India and Namibia. I feel proud to be associated with it. I dedicate this award to the people of India and Namibia, who continue to progress together, and to the friendship between our two nations.”
India and Namibia have stood by each other since the time of their independence, he said.
“Ours is a friendship that is time-tested and connected by shared values and dreams of a better future. In the times to come, we will keep working closely and walking together on the path of development,” the Prime Minister said.
The award was established in 1995, shortly after Namibia gained independence in 1990, to recognise distinguished service and leadership.
PM Modi is the first Indian leader to be given this award, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a press release.
“The conferment of the award on the Prime Minister is a milestone in the bilateral ties between India and Namibia and stands as a font of inspiration for the younger generations in both countries to take this special bilateral partnership to greater heights,” it said.
This is the 27th international honour bestowed upon Prime Minister Modi by a foreign government since he assumed office in May 2014.
According to the award citation, Modi’s leadership, defined by technological innovation, economic growth, social and climate justice, and international diplomacy, transcends the borders of India.
“Prime Minister Modi’s sustained engagement with the African Union reflects a sincere commitment to South-South cooperation… During his tenure, bilateral relations between India and Namibia have significantly improved and contributed meaningfully to the socio-economic development of both nations,” it states.
Modi is in Namibia on the last leg of his five-nation visit.
This is his first visit to Namibia and the third-ever prime ministerial visit from India to the country.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi and President Nandi-Ndaitwah held bilateral talks, following which the two countries signed four agreements to bolster bilateral cooperation in several areas, including energy and healthcare.
