The fifth session of the Namibia-Cuba Virtual Joint Working Group, aimed at reviewing bilateral cooperation between the two countries, started on Wednesday.

The meeting is chaired by Namibia’s Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Jenelly Matundu and Cuba’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, Deborah Rivas Saavedra. It ends Thursday.

During her opening remarks, Matundu stated that the meeting is testimony of an extraordinary friendship between the people of Namibia and Cuba.

“On behalf of the people and the government of Namibia, I would like to express my utmost gratitude for the continuing solidarity between the people of Namibia and the people of Cuba. Solidarity requires relations, intentions and action grounded in explicit ethical and political commitments,” Matundu said.

She said Cuba’s support did not end with Namibia obtaining its sovereignty, noting that both countries translated the bonds of historical friendship into formal bilateral relations with cooperation in various sectors such as health, education, urban and rural development, sport.

Matundu mentioned that the Cuban government has made a significant contribution to Namibia’s education system, while also enriching the country’s human capacity and contributing to its development efforts.

“We have always admired Cuba’s health system, which has buttressed Namibia’s health system and has improved the lives of our people. Cuba’s international health diplomacy is well known and appreciated around the world,” she added.

Saavedra said it is imperative for the two countries to work together towards a common goal, which is to yield positive results in terms of development. She said the Cuban government will continue to assist Namibia in its development.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency