Queen’s Birthday celebrations at British High Commissioner’s Residence
The British High Commission once again threw its annual Queen’s Birthday Party in Windhoek yesterday.
HE Marianne Young at the Queen's Birthday Party
The British High Commission once again threw its annual Queen’s Birthday Party in Windhoek yesterday to mark the Official Birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with a full scale British garden party, live music, Pimms, bangers and beef delicacies, strawberries and cream, and a few great hats.
The British High Commission marked the special occasion in Namibia by hosting a well attended garden party at the High Commissioner’s residence in Klein Windhoek. More than 200 guests attended the event, including government officials, among them guest of honour, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, captains of industry, members of civil society, the diplomatic corps, as well as the media.
The High Commissioner, HE Mrs Marianne Young, highlighted the healthy state of bilateral relations between Namibia and the UK, including visits to London this year by Prime Minister Hage Geingob, Foreign Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and SWAPO Chief Whip Professor Peter Katjavivi.
See the full speech here:
The High Commissioner announced that the British economy is rebounding strongly and that the British High Commission is working harder than ever to boost trade and investment links with Namibia, which stood at N$2.32b in bilateral trade in goods in 2013.
Referring to the ongoing global summit on Ending Sexual Violence in Conflict, taking place in London this week, H.E. Mrs Young, said: “The British government believes strongly that rape should not be viewed as an inevitable part of war. It is hard to document, let alone investigate. Perpetrators do not discriminate. They use sexual violence as a weapon, a weapon of terror, power and control. This has to stop – the culture of impunity must end - and perpetrators must be held accountable. I am proud that the British government has taken the lead to tackle this urgent issue and host this week’s ground-breaking event. I am also proud about Namibian involvement in the summit, particularly in light of current pressing issues around the gender based violence blighting this country.“ She also highlighted the UK’s ongoing specialist assistance to both the Namibian Defence Force and NAMPOL, as well as project work to aid trade enhancement, human rights and the tourism sector.