CUBA AND THE USA NORMALISE RELATIONS

The Government of the Republic of Namibia welcomes the simultaneous and historic announcement by President Raul Castro of the Republic of Cuba and President Barack Obama of the United States to re-establish full diplomatic relations between their two countries after a break of more than half a century.

Their decision has demonstrated political courage, statesmanship and foresight. The Government of Namibia also welcomes the exchange of prisoners between the two countries.

The re-establishment of full diplomatic relations between the two countries closes a chapter characterized by cold war anachronism. It also opens a new era of co-operation based on mutual respect for the independence and sovereignty of each country.

The Government of the Republic of Namibia, like the overwhelming majority of UN member states, has consistently been calling for the removal of economic, financial and commercial blockade on Cuba and the normalization of trade between the two countries.

In the spirit of this historic decision, the Government of Namibia calls on the US Congress to follow the bold leadership of President Obama and repeal all legislations on the economic and financial blockade on Cuba and any other forms of sanctions or restrictions against Cuba.

The normalization of relations between Cuba and the United States has indisputably proven that mighty tide of contemporary mutual relations cannot be stopped.

The Government of Namibia expresses its admiration for and solidarity with the Government and fraternal people of Cuba for their steadfastness and courage in the face of the economic blockade that retarded their development and created unnecessary hardships.

Issue by Ministry of Foreign Affairs