Namibia and South Africa have affirmed their support for Cuba and Venezuela during a ministerial meeting, condemning the sanctions imposed on these nations and calling for their removal. They also addressed violations of international law in Lebanon and the sanctions against Zimbabwe, advocating for regional justice in various geopolitical contexts.
During a ministerial meeting held on October 14 and 15 in Swakopmund, Namibia, the Foreign Ministers of Namibia, Peya Mushelenga, and South Africa, Ronald Ozzy Lamola, expressed their solidarity with Cuba and Venezuela, both of which are currently grappling with severe economic challenges exacerbated by unilateral sanctions. The ministers specifically condemned the comprehensive economic, financial, and commercial blockade imposed on Cuba by the United States, advocating for an immediate cessation of these long-standing punitive measures that have persisted for over six decades. Furthermore, the meeting addressed geopolitical issues, including the condemnation of Israel’s airstrikes on Lebanon, categorized as violations of sovereignty and international humanitarian law. The ministers urged the international community and the United Nations Security Council to rigorously uphold international legal standards. Additionally, there was an appeal for the unconditionally immediate lifting of the sanctions against Zimbabwe, which are detrimental to the socio-economic development of that nation and have broader negative implications for the Southern African region. The discussion also encompassed the situation in Western Sahara, where the ministers welcomed the recent ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) on October 4, 2024, which affirmed that the European Commission had infringed upon the right to self-determination of the Sahrawi people.
This article outlines the recent ministerial meeting between Namibia and South Africa, emphasizing their collective support for Cuba and Venezuela amid economic sanctions imposed by external countries. This context is critical to understanding the foreign policy stance of both Namibian and South African governments, particularly regarding issues of sovereignty, legal rights to self-determination, and the impact of international sanctions on regional stability and development. The reference to Israel’s actions in Lebanon and the situation in Zimbabwe showcases the broader geopolitical considerations and humanitarian concerns that these nations are prioritizing.
In summary, the meeting highlighted the commitment of both Namibia and South Africa to support Cuba and Venezuela against economic sanctions and emphasized their call for the international community to align with principles of sovereignty and human rights. The ministers’ discussions on related regional issues, including the situation in Zimbabwe and the legal rights of the Sahrawi people, underscore a shared responsibility to advocate for justice and development within the Southern African region and beyond.
Original Source: www.plenglish.com
