Namibia, June 26th, 2020- The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of Namibia, Hon. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah offered an interview to the Cuban Television Information System, conducted by journalist Milton Díaz Canter.
The Minister referred to the proposal of some solidarity movements with Cuba and personalities friends of the Caribbean island to award the Nobel Peace Prize to the Cuban medical contingent "Henry Reeve". She expressed Namibia's support for the possibility of such a distinction being awarded to Cuban health workers, due to their solidarity and contribution to humanity.
In this sense, she highlighted the merits of the doctors from the Greater Antilles, who have worked in disaster areas in various parts of the world, as well as in the control of epidemics and diseases. The Minister recalled the presence of the "Henry Reeve" Brigade in Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone, when the Ebola outbreak in those West African countries. She also highlighted the work of the "Henry Reeve" in combating the Covid-19 Pandemic, its positive impact in the countries where they have cooperated, and expressed her admiration for the solidarity work of Cuba in the current international context.
The Namibian leader highlighted the excellent historical relations between Cuba and Namibia. He recalled how these ties were consolidated day by day, when Cuban, Namibian and Angolan soldiers shared trenches during the hard years of Namibia's liberation struggle against the South African apartheid regime. In this context, she highlighted the historical significance of the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale and its importance in the reconfiguration of the political map of Southern Africa.
The Deputy Prime Minister evoked with special affection the meetings she had with Commander in Chief Fidel Castro. She highlighted her decisive support for the liberation movements in Africa, as well as the relationship between the Cuban historical leader and the Namibian presidents Sam Nujoma, Hifikepunye Pohamba and Hage Geingob.
The also Vice President of the SWAPO Party condemned the economic, commercial and financial blockade of the United States government against Cuba. In this regard, she reiterated Namibia's solidarity support for Cuba in the fight to lift the blockade. The Chancellor reaffirmed her country's commitment to condemn this genocidal policy in regional and international multilateral forums. On the other hand, she regretted the setback that occurred in the normalization of relations between the two countries under the administration of President Donald Trump.
Finally, she referred to Operation Noah's Ark, through which the Namibian government donated animals to Cuban zoos in 2012. The current Chancellor served as Minister of Tourism and Environment and was in charge of the Namibian part to direct the process. On this, she expressed that it was a gift to the Cuban people from its Namibian brothers.
The interview was also attended by the Cuban Ambassador to Namibia, Sidenio Acosta, and the Ambassador of this African nation on the Island, Samuel //Goagoseb.
