In Namibia to talk about Cuba is to instantly feel affection and respect, curiosity for an island, distant geographically, but close by common history. This is a reality that also extends to all Africa, because to say Cuba means brotherhood. So it is no surprise that Windhoek - the Namibian capital - from today is the site of the V Continental Conference of Solidarity with Cuba.
According to the latest figures offered by the Organizing Committee, 288 participants from countries such as South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe and Burkina Faso were registered.
The meeting will bring together over a hundred delegates from around 26 countries to discuss their relations with the island and strengthen solidarity. After weeks of preparation by the government and the Cuba-Namibia Friendship Association, the Country Club Hotel's conference room will host the working sessions divided into two commissions. Its central themes will be the fight against the economic, financial and commercial blockade imposed by the United States and the call for the return of the illegally occupied territory of Guantánamo.
These themes are joined by the links between solidarity movements with Cuba, the use of alternative means to spread the truth and the importance of the legacy of Fidel and Che.
In front of the Cuban delegation is Hero Fernando González, president of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP) that along with the legendary commander Víctor Dreke, comrade of Che decades ago in the guerrilla of the Congo and other members who conform the 20 Cuban representatives.
Under the motto "Intensifying solidarity and continuing the legacy of Fidel and Che", the event will be inaugurated by Namibian President Hage Geingob, whose speech is expected with interest and certainty that it will serve as a basis for enriching the debates.
The program of the event, until next day 7, will be completed with activities prepared by the Namibian authorities, the Friendship Association, the resident Cubans and the students of the Fidel Castro elementary school.
One of the special features of this meeting is the permanent exhibition in the Country Club halls of 100 photos of Fidel from different stages, made by the solidarity movement in South Africa. Later, the sample will be transferred to the National Library to be admired by the inhabitants of the capital.
Parallel to the preparation of the Conference, the Friendship Association has carried out several activities that have served as a liaison between two friendly peoples. For example, they held film exhibitions in different locations in the capital. In addition they held the "Friendship Carnaval" to expose the customs of Namibians and Cubans.
On the other hand, they made pullovers allusive to the event and to the memory of the Commandant in Chief Fidel Castro, which will be used by the Cuban delegates in the event.
The continental meeting was held prior to Ethiopia and for the organizers the Windhoek event could exceed previous ones by the number of participants.