President of Namibia Pays Official Visit to Cuba

The President of the Republic of Namibia, Hage Gottfried Geingob, arrived in Havana on an official visit to reaffirm the excellent bonds of cooperation existing between the two countries.

Geingob arrived at the Jose Marti International Airport on Monday
afternoon, where he was received by Deputy Foreign Minister Rogelio Sierra and members of the diplomatic corps accredited to this capital.

In statements to the press, the Namibian head of state and government described as excellent relations maintained between both nations for more than two decades.

Doctor Gottfried Geingob said: “Given the bonds of friendship uniting us with the Government and people of Cuba, this country had to be first one —outside of Africa— I visited as the new President of Namibia.”

The President of the Cuban councils of State and Ministers, Army General Raul Castro, will receive the Namibian dignitary tomorrow, to exchange views on issues of common interest and encourage cooperation.

Namibia and Cuba established diplomatic relations on March 21, 1990, so this year they celebrate the 25th anniversary of that historic event.

Since then, according to the Cuban Foreign Ministry, both countries
maintain good communication and exchanges in economy, trade, education, health, culture, sports and construction.

Nearly 350 thousand Cuban voluntary workers have given medical services in that territory of Southern Africa since 1991 to date; while more than 1,000 Namibians have been trained in Cuba, thanks to the cooperation existing in the education sector since 1978.

Cuba takes pride in having contributed to the achievement of that African country’s independence, a nation that for decades has supported the struggle of the Caribbean nation to put an end to the blockade imposed on the island by the United States for over half a century.

The visit of the Namibian president will be concluded  September 17.