Staff Reporter
A HIGH-LEVEL delegation from Berlin is visiting the Namibian capital to mark the 25th anniversary of the town twinning agreement between Windhoek and Berlin.
The delegation, led by Cornelia Seibeld, President of the Berlin House of Representatives, is in Windhoek to strengthen ties and deepen cooperation between the two cities.
Speaking at a reception hosted at the residence of the German Ambassador in Windhoek, Seibeld highlighted the significance of the long-standing partnership.
PICTURED: Centre left, Ambassador Hutter and centre right, President of the Berlin House of Representatives, Cornelia Seibeld, together with members of her delegation as well as members of the German Military Advisory Group in Namibia. Photo: Abgeordnetenhaus von Berlin
“Since 6 July 2000 — the day on which the city partnership between Windhoek and Berlin was agreed — we have been finding our way to each other, determined to learn from one another and to offer mutual support,” she said.
She added that the aim of the visit is to gain a better understanding of Windhoek, its people, and its development structures. “It is impressive to see how, through shared projects — for example, supporting local traders — the tangible benefits of this partnership have been made visible,” Seibeld said.
During their visit, the Berlin delegation toured several local projects and institutions linked to the city partnership. These included the Capture Project Semi Mall, the Bokamoso Entrepreneurial Centre, the Riverheights Football Academy, the Independence Memorial Museum, and the Creative Industry Institute Africa (CIIA).
In a solemn moment, President Seibeld also laid a wreath at the Genocide Memorial in honour of the Herero and Nama victims of the genocide committed by German colonial forces.
The visit underscores the commitment of both cities to continue fostering mutual understanding and collaboration through the city partnership agreement.
