Díaz-Canel Hails “Excellent” Meeting with Namibian Foreign Minister

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel today described as “excellent” his meeting with Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi.

The head of state emphasized on social media platform X that he sent warm greetings to Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and expressed gratitude for her country’s permanent solidarity and support for the Cuban people. “We highlighted the historic friendship that unites us,” he noted.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

During the talks, held yesterday, Díaz-Canel underscored that the recently established Intergovernmental Commission between Havana and Windhoek will mark a milestone in strengthening and expanding bilateral ties. He characterized these relations as being at an “excellent political level” and progressing in the economic, commercial, and cooperation fields.

The Cuban leader stressed that this mechanism is “only established with very close nations, such as yours,” while emphasizing the profound historical and emotional significance of the African delegation’s visit.

“This visit, for us, carries several meanings: one is the continuity of our relations, our historic relations, honored by the friendship between the founding father of the Republic of Namibia, Sam Nujoma, and Commander in Chief Fidel Castro, which have continued throughout the years,” he affirmed.

A Unique and Enduring Friendship

Díaz-Canel described ties between the two nations as unique and deeply rooted, based on mutual affection, respect, solidarity, and admiration.

He reaffirmed Cuba’s willingness to “continue expanding our collaboration in all the sectors you have identified in this Intergovernmental Commission: health, education, construction and water resources, biotechnology, as well as cultural, educational, and sports exchanges, the reception of Namibian students in Cuba, and in any other sector or field where we can cooperate.”

Namibia’s Perspective

For her part, Minister Ashipala-Musavyi expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and conveyed to Díaz-Canel “the warm greetings of your sister, our President.”

She emphasized that for her country’s leadership, the new Intergovernmental Commission represents “a very serious mechanism.”

The Namibian foreign minister further noted that while the current times are challenging, “they also represent an opportunity for the countries of the Global South to unite and reject what is happening, and also to show the world that we have everything we need.”