Havana, September 29 (RHC)-- Cooperation relations with Cuba began before Namibia reached its independence and both nations now enjoy strong relationship, said Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba during a tour, Sunday, of Havana’s National Zoo, accompanied by Cuba’s First Vice President Miguel Diaz Canel.

Pohamba said that economic development must be fostered in the benefit of the Namibian and Cuban people. He said that the U.S. blockade is affecting Cuba and therefore they have put the issue on the agenda of the African Union in order to further strengthen relations between Africa and Cuba.

Namibia has made public its cooperation and solidarity with Cuba at the United Nations, a fact that will be maintained in the future, noted the Namibian leader, who said he was happy to have contributed 144 animals of 22 different species to the National Zoo.