The Namibian government has welcomed the removal of Cuba from the United States list of state sponsors of terrorism.

Ambassador Penda Naanda, Executive Director of the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, says this move is a significant step towards improving relations between the US and Cuba.

The move is part of a prisoner release deal in which Cuba is said to release 553 prisoners.

Naanda says the Namibian government expects that this act will ease some economic restrictions on Cuba and foster better understanding between the two countries.

He says the Namibian government is confident that this gesture by the outgoing Biden administration in the US will contribute to strengthening international cooperation.

Naanda also expresses the hope that the incoming administration of President Donald Trump will continue to maintain the same diplomatic posture for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

The Namibian government encourages the US and Cuba to work together and be good neighbours.