The public radio and television company of Namibia, Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), published this weekend extensive and substantial material on the recent visit to Cuba of the President of this African nation, H.E. Dr. Nangolo Mbumba.
In a stellar space on the channel, the Namibian public received extensive information about this visit, cataloged by President Mbumba as "the highest honor I have received in my entire life", for which he thanked "the warm welcome."
The journalistic report addresses the president's intense program in Cuba that began in the Plaza de la Revolución, where he paid honors with a floral offering to the National Hero José Martí at the Memorial that bears his name.
Also, is reflected the visit made by President Mbumba and the delegation that accompanied him to the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), where he learned about possibilities of cooperation in this field between both countries.
The material addresses the official reception at the Palace of the Revolution by the President of the Republic of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, and the exchange held in a climate of brotherhood, where the deep ties between both nations were highlighted, in addition to the solidarity and the mutual commitment to continue fostering relationships that will reach their 35th anniversary in 2025.
The Cuban president expressed the honor of receiving Mbumba again in Cuba, this time in his capacity as dignitary of the sister African nation. He reiterated his congratulations to his Party, the South West African People's Organization (SWAPO), for the recent victory in the electoral elections and the election of the Hon. Mrs. Netumbo Nandi-Ndatiwah, as president of the country.
Likewise, he thanked the historical support provided by Namibia in the fight against the United States blockade and for the exclusion of Cuba from the spurious and unilateral list of States sponsoring terrorism.
For his part, the Namibian President reaffirmed the gratitude of his people for the decisive Cuban contribution to the independence of Namibia. He also highlighted the close ties between the historical leader of the Cuban Revolution Fidel Castro Ruz and the Father of the Nation Sam Nujoma.
Accompanied the distinguished visitor, the Hon. Mr. John Mutorwa, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Transport; the Hon. Dr. Peya Mushelenga, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation; H.E. Mrs. Christine Hoebes, Minister of the Presidency; the Hon. Mr. Samuel Hendrik, Namibian ambassador to Cuba, as well as officials from the Namibian government and its Embassy in Cuba.
Participated on the Cuban side Esteban Lazo Hernández, president of the National Assembly of People's Power; Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, Minister of Foreign Affairs; René Mesa Villafaña, MICONS minister; Anayansi Rodríguez Camejo, deputy minister of MINREX; Sergio Vigoa de la Uz, Cuban ambassador to Namibia; Carlos Miguel Pereira Hernández, general director of Bilateral Affairs of MINREX; Luis A. Amorós Núñez, director of Sub-Saharan Africa at MINREX and other officials of the Foreign Ministry.
The viewers also learned of the result of the official conversations in which the Cuban President expressed that he was receiving "a brother, a great friend of Cuba," and added that the visit will mark a milestone in the strengthening, expansion and consolidation of bilateral ties. “Namibia will always be able to count on Cuba,” Díaz-Canel assured his counterpart.
The meeting was sealed with the signing of a memorandum of understanding establishing the Intergovernmental Commission between both countries, which will contribute to raising the level of economic, commercial and cooperation relations, in addition to strengthening political and friendship ties.
Of special significance was the awarded to President Nangolo Mbumba of the José Martí Order, the highest decoration granted by the Cuban State to compatriots and foreigners, from the hands of the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz. Canel Bermudez.
The President, the third Namibian Head of State to receive this Order, recalled that the gesture "symbolizes the strong and lasting friendship between the peoples and Governments of both nations and thanked the distinction "for the honor that the people of Cuba, of to be one of the participants in this torch of the Revolution", as he emphasized in his words.
He also expressed that the Greater Antilles and the African country "are united by a common history and a spirit of solidarity, principles of justice and freedom that were demonstrated in the joint fight against colonialism and apartheid, which allow Namibia to enjoy the freedom and peace to which we are entitled.
The journalistic material, also published by the NBC website, exposes the visit of the Namibian President to the Mariel Special Development Zone, where they learned about the potential for collaboration between both countries.
Likewise, it reflects the journey of the First Lady of Namibia, Sustjie Mbumba, who is part of the presidential delegation, to the Educational Center “Solidaridad con Namibia” that serves children with special educational needs.
Accompanied by Lis Cuesta Peraza, wife of the Cuban President, Madam Mbumba expressed that “Namibia will always support educational initiatives in Cuba” and made a donation to the institution of basic necessities, including sanitary towels and school supplies.
The NBC network provides information on the tour of the delegation of President Nangolo Mbumba and the First Lady through the Fidel Castro Ruz Center, dedicated to preserving the legacy of the historical leader of the Cuban Revolution.
"It was the vision and strong leadership of Commander Fidel Castro Ruz (may his soul rest in peace) and the Founding Father of the Nation of Namibia, Comrade Sam Nujoma, that laid an eternal foundation of deep-rooted friendship and brotherhood between our two countries," said President Mbumba in front of the impressive historical material that the Center treasures.
Nearly an hour long, the NBC report concludes with images of the tribute that the Namibian President paid to the Commander in Chief at the Santa Ifigenia cemetery. “It is my hope that Fidel's example continues to inspire future generations,” he said moved, after laying a wreath, in the name of his people, before the monolith that treasures the ashes of Fidel Castro, architect of the independence of that nation of the Southwestern Africa.
Minutes before, the Namibian president had placed flowers in the Mausoleum to the National Hero José Martí, defender of universal equality among people, whose name exalts the highest Order imposed by our State, of which Mbumba was a creditor.
