Niël Terblanché
The signing of a new Protocol on Cooperation between the Namibian Parliament and the Cuban National Assembly is set to introduce a new chapter of collective strengths to face the challenges of the 21st century.
During an official visit to Cuba, the Speaker of Parliament, Professor Peter Katjavivi, held discussions with the President of the National Assembly of People’s Power of Cuba, Juan Esteban Lazo Hernández.
The meeting culminated in the signing of the protocol, aimed at fostering closer collaboration in various areas of mutual interest, including parliamentary practices, legislative procedures, and capacity-building initiatives.
This partnership will promote regular exchanges of information, joint meetings between standing committees, and reciprocal visits by parliamentary friendship groups.
Under the agreement, both nations will support joint activities aimed at enhancing good governance and strengthening democratic institutions.
The protocol also prioritises the exchange of parliamentary best practices and policy analysis, reflecting the shared values of good governance and social development that underpin both countries’ political systems.
The agreement seeks to deepen inter-parliamentary cooperation and strengthen the historical ties between the two countries.
During the discussions, both leaders reaffirmed the unique relationship that has long existed between Namibia and Cuba.
The protocol aims to formalise and institutionalise the cooperative relations between the Namibian and Cuban legislative bodies, expanding educational exchanges and joint initiatives to benefit future generations in both countries.
The agreement establishes a Joint Parliamentary Cooperation Working Group, which will oversee its implementation.
This group will identify joint projects, draw up work programmes, and monitor progress to ensure effective cooperation between the two legislatures.
It will also explore new avenues for collaboration in areas such as research, training, and the exchange of legislative information.
Katjavivi highlighted several areas where Namibia can learn from Cuba’s experiences, particularly in education and healthcare.
He noted the significant contributions of Cuban medical professionals to Namibia’s health sector and the impact of Namibian students who studied in Cuba on the country’s national development agenda.
As Namibia and Cuba face modern global challenges such as climate change, economic hardships, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the protocol reaffirms both countries’ commitment to addressing these issues through resilient and responsive governance.
The agreement deepens the historic friendship between Namibia and Cuba, built on a foundation of solidarity and a mutual desire for progress.
Katjavivi expressed confidence in the future of Namibia-Cuba relations, stressing that continued cooperation between their parliaments will benefit both nations.
He acknowledged Cuba’s pivotal role in Namibia’s liberation struggle and paid tribute to the Cuban internationalist fighters, particularly those involved in the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale, a turning point in Southern Africa’s history.
The weeklong visit by a multi-party parliamentary delegation from Namibia will conclude on Saturday and aims to consolidate ties between the two nations.
