The Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation (formerly Ministry of Foreign Affairs), was established at Namibia’s independence in 1990. The Ministry is entrusted with the primary function of formulating, promoting, and executing Namibia’s foreign policy and the conduct of Namibia’s international relations.

The foundation and guide for the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation is the Constitution, which defines all aspects of state power in Namibia.

Article 96 of the Constitution stipulates five general guidelines which underpin the Government's commitment to actively promote friendly and beneficial relations and co-operation with other nations, and also to foster, in concert with them, the maintenance of the rule of law, peace, security, social justice and economic welfare.

The five guidelines which are contained in the Constitution are:

• - Adopt and maintain a policy of non-alignment;

• - Promote international co-operation, peace and security;

• -  Create and maintain just and mutually beneficial relations among nations;

• - Foster respect for international law and treaty obligations;

• - Encourage the settlement of international disputes by peaceful means.