Staff Reporter
THE Namibian Defence Force (NDF) has bid farewell to Brazil’s Defence Attaché, Captain (Navy) Marcelo De Abreu Souza, following the completion of his five-year diplomatic assignment in Namibia, during which he contributed to strengthening military cooperation between the two countries.
Chief of the NDF, Air Marshal Martin Kambulu Pinehas, hosted a farewell meeting with Souza at Defence Headquarters in Windhoek on 10 November, marking the end of his assignment.
Pinehas thanked the outgoing attaché for his service and acknowledged his contribution to fostering military cooperation, strengthening mutual understanding and enhancing strategic engagement between the two defence forces.
“Capt (Navy) Marcelo, during your assignment in Namibia, you have played a significant role in fostering military cooperation, strengthening mutual understanding and enhancing strategic engagement between our respective defence forces,” Pinehas said.
Souza described the military relationship between Namibia and Brazil as a bond of camaraderie rooted in the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries.
He said he had remained committed to representing Brazil and advancing the shared aspirations of both nations throughout his assignment.
“It was a great honour to work alongside the Namibian Defence Force. I was accorded the opportunity to visit and learn from its various arms of service. Namibia and Brazil are great countries, and our cooperation dates back many years. It is therefore my aspiration that the two countries continue working together to achieve common goals,” Souza said.
Souza was among six foreign defence attachés and advisers formally accredited by Pinehas in May 2025. The group also included representatives from Ghana, Indonesia, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States.
During his tenure, Souza also represented the Brazilian Navy at a ceremony in Walvis Bay in December 2025, where the Tamandaré Merit Medal was awarded to Pinehas and two Namibian Navy captains, Davison Mwoombola and Clemens Kashuupulwa. The medal recognises exceptional service in promoting and strengthening the traditions and achievements of the Brazilian Navy.
Namibia and Brazil have maintained naval cooperation since signing a Naval Cooperation Agreement on 4 March 1994, when a Brazilian naval mission was also established in Namibia.
The partnership has included the training of Namibian military personnel in Brazil, the provision of naval vessels and technical support, as well as assistance in developing the Namibian Navy and Marine Corps. Cooperation has also involved joint exercises, ship visits and ongoing capacity-building initiatives.
Photo: The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs
