Niël Terblanché
President Nangolo Mbumba’s state visit to Cuba not only reinforced the historical bonds of friendship and solidarity but also paved the way for enhanced bilateral cooperation.
Mbumba, who is in Cuba on a two-day working visit, received Cuba’s highest accolade, the prestigious National Order of José Martí, which is named after Cuba’s national hero and revolutionary fighter.
The Cuban head of state, President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermúdez bestowed the honour on Mbumba at a special ceremony in Havana on Tuesday.
While receiving the accolade, Mbumba assured President Bermúdez and the Cuban people of Namibia’s continued support towards the island nation’s fight against the economic blockade imposed by the United States of America decades ago.
Mbumba said the mutual commitment to shared principles and the pursuit of common goals continue to define the relationship between the two countries which promises a future of strengthened ties and collaborative progress.
Mbumba embarked on a state visit to the island nation to enhance the solidarity and cooperation that have characterised the bilateral relations between the two nations since Namibia’s struggle for independence.
“I, and many Namibians consider Cuba as our second home where we truly feel that we are among our brothers and sisters with whom we share an unbreakable bond of solidarity,” he said.
The President added that the historical camaraderie was created by former leaders, the late Fidel Castro and Namibia’s Founding Father, Sam Nujoma, whose visionary partnership laid the foundation for the countries’ enduring friendship.
During the visit, Mbumba paid tribute to Cuba’s sacrifices during Namibia’s liberation struggle.
“Cuba’s contribution was paid in blood, spilled in the trenches of the Angolan soil. For the lives of Cuban compatriots who died for our freedom and of the people of Angola are priceless,” he said.
Mbumba’s visit also focused on strengthening current collaborations and exploring new avenues for cooperation.
The president mentioned the integration of 180 medical science graduates trained in Cuba into Namibia’s healthcare system, as well as the recent arrival of 33 Namibian youths in Cuba to pursue studies in engineering and other technical fields.
“The presence of 93 Cuban health professionals and 21 engineers and architects in Namibia exemplifies the ongoing exchange aimed at enhancing public services and infrastructure,” he said.
Another development during the visit was the elevation of the Cuba-Namibia Joint Working Group to an Intergovernmental Commission for Bilateral Cooperation, formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by both countries.
According to Mbumba, the new agreement is expected to facilitate more structured and comprehensive collaboration across various sectors, including health, education, construction, and technology.
Mbumba also reiterated Namibia’s unwavering support for Cuba in the international arena, particularly in advocating for the lifting of the longstanding economic blockade imposed by the United States.
He described the blockade as illegal, inhumane, outdated, and unjustifiable, and reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to stand with Cuba until the sanctions are lifted.
The visit also served as an opportunity to discuss future leadership transitions in Namibia.
Mbumba expressed confidence that President-elect Netumbo Nandi Ndaitwah would continue to strengthen Namibia-Cuba relations.
“I do not doubt that President-elect Ndaitwah will take Namibia to greater levels of cooperation,” he said.
President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez also paid tribute to Namibia’s independence fighters and stressed the significance of the solidarity between the two nations.
“Cuba is honoured to have supported them. There was no more honourable path to independence,” he said
