Namibia’s Ambassador to the Benelux countries and the European Union, Dr Kaire Mbuende, has presented his credentials to Dutch King Willem Alexander. A statement issued by the International Relations and Co-operation Ministry states that this enables Dr Mbuende to begin official engagements with the Dutch government officials. Dr Mbuende used the occasion to convey best wishes of President Hage Geingob to the monarch. The presentation is also an affirmation of the longstanding relations between Namibia and The Netherlands. The relationship between the two governments include people to people diplomacy, especially twinning partnerships between towns. Currently, there are four partnerships, between Rundu and Nieuwegein, Gobabis and Smallingerland, Otjiwarongo-Heusden and between Outjo and Maarssen. Another co-operation agreement deals with trade and investment and the envisaged three direct flights per week of Dutch airline, KLM, between Amsterdam and Windhoek from next month. President Geingob appointed Dr Mbuende as ambassador to The Netherlands last year. He is based in Brussels, Belgium, where the European Union has its headquarters.