British Queen sends message to Namibian president on Commonwealth Day

Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba received a message sent by the Head of the Commonwealth, British Queen Elizabeth II, from several high commissioners Monday at the State House.

The message was delivered to mark this year's Commonwealth Day that falls on the second Monday of March every year. This year's theme is "A Young Commonwealth".

Pohamba received the message from the South African High Commissioner to Namibia Mavivi Myakayaka-Manzini.

Myakayaka-Manzini was accompanied by other high commissioners to Namibian from Zambia, Kenya, Botswana and Malaysia.

The Queen, in the message, said the Commonwealth can only flourish if its ideas and ideals continue to be young, fresh and relevant to all generations.

"Commonwealth Day provides each of us, and members of this worldwide family a chance to recommit ourselves to upholding the values of the Commonwealth Charter. It has the power to enrich us all, but just as importantly in an uncertain world, it gives us a good reason to keep talking," said the Queen.

President Pohamba said this year's theme is in line with Namibia's Vision 2030 that seeks to promote gender equality and create employment for the youth.

He said about 7, 000 Namibian youth receive training through various Commonwealth initiatives.

According to the Commonwealth secretary general Kamalesh Sharman, this year's theme aims to recognize the capacity, contribution and potential of young people, who play a vital role at the heart of sustainable development and democracy. Endi