On behalf of the Nordic countries Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Finland, I would like to express our deepfelt condolences on the passing of the great Namibian statesman, the Founding President of the Republic of Namibia, and a Father of the Namibian Nation, His Excellency Dr. Sam Nujoma.
Dr. Nujoma’s impressive leadership role in Namibia's decades long struggle towards independence will be always remembered. His legacy is a global testimony of the determination and will of smaller nations to gain and enjoy self-determination, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The subsequent nation building after independence was unique. Under the leadership of Dr. Nujoma, Namibia chose the path towards One Namibia, and towards peace, stability and prosperity. Dr. Nujoma's immeasurable legacy highlights national reconciliation, democracy, free and fair elections, a new constitution, and a path towards a functioning and economically stable society. Social stability has also been an essential part of nation building, the importance of which cannot be overstated.
The Nordic countries are proud of our long history of partnership with Namibia. People-to-people contacts were established already in the 1800s. During the fight for independence, the Nordic countries provided both humanitarian and diplomatic support. Starting in the late 1960s, Nordic countries also provided assistance to SWAPO to directly support the liberation struggle.
The late Finnish President and a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Martti Ahtisaari, was appointed as the UN Special Representative to Namibia. He became a close friend of Dr. Nujoma, sharing his determination to see Namibia independent. Only over one year ago, their paths crossed one final time. Dr. Nujoma, then over 94 years old, took to a long journey to northern Helsinki, to bid farewell to his old friend who had passed away before him.
The Nordic countries were among the first to establish diplomatic relations with Namibia immediately after the declaration of independence. During Dr. Nujoma’s years as president, deep partnerships were established between Namibia and the Nordic countries.
Namibia’s cause and President Nujomas efforts were closely tied to the United Nations. We believe Namibia’s struggle strengthened understanding of how the UN can, and must, function as a guarantor of the rights of all states, to reach their independence and sovereignty, true freedom and human rights, and prosperity and development.
The Nordic countries stand by Namibia during the time of sorrow. We are committed to continuing our cooperation with Namibia both bilaterally, and at the United Nations, supporting together a multilateral system based on international law. Even today, it remains the only path to lasting peace and prosperity for all independent nations.