Hollywood stars Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt Wednesday praised Namibia where they had their first child for allowing them privacy and they pledged to support development projects. The couple gave their long-awaited press conference to Namibian media at a Swakopmund hotel. It was also attended by First Lady Penehupifo Pohamba and Erongo Governor Samuel Nuuyoma. Deputy tourism and environment minister Leon Jooste presided over the meeting. Journalists had to show their invitation letters and Namibian passports and ID cards at the door. Chief security officer Mickey Brett, nicknamed "the very white man" by locals, was quite friendly to the media and only stood quietly in a corner, perpetually chewing gum.Angelina Jolie said: "We will support projects in Namibia, some for First Lady Pohamba who started support projects for vulnerable people".

The relaxed couple, who looked happy and very much in love, became the proud parents of their first biological child Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt on 28 May in Swakopmund. Jolie, who wore a simple black dress and looking radiant, said she would never have "got the peace and privacy needed" if she had given birth in Hollywood. She also vowed support to the San (Bushmen) in Namibia. We have met Bushmen children and we will do something for those people," she added. Brad Pitt thanked all Namibians for having them enjoy family life with the children. He raved about the scenic beauty of Namibia. "We visited Harnass animal farm, Etosha, Sossus Vley, the Skeleton Coast - Namibia is the best-kept secret in the world - until we came", he joked.

The famous couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt with Erongo Governor Samuel Nuuyoma on Wednesday. Photo: Brigitte Weidlich