Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has paid tribute to Cuban national hero José Martí during his official visit to Cuba.

Dr Ngurare also pushed for stronger cooperation between Namibia and Cuba in education, health, youth development, water and engineering.

The Premier laid a wreath in honour of Marti's memory in Havana.

This is part of continued solidification of longstanding friendship and solidarity with Cuba, rooted in the country's support for Namibia's liberation struggle.

The Prime Minister paid tribute to the sacrifices made by Cuban soldiers.

He was in the company of Cuba's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Josefina de la Caridad Vidal Ferreiro, Namibia's Ambassador to Cuba Lebbius Tobias, and Deputy Minister of Works and Transport Hans Haikali.

During a welcoming dinner with his Cuban counterpart, Manuel Marrero Cruz, Dr. Ngurare called for the two countries to scale up cooperation beyond their historical political ties.

Though appreciating Cuba's contribution to Namibia's political independence, the focus must now be on economic independence.

He also invited Cuban young people to visit Namibia for studies, business, and cultural and educational exchanges.

Dr Ngurare also visited the Fidel Castro Centre, where he was taken through the life and legacy of the late Cuban revolutionary leader.

The Prime Minister said the visit gave him lessons in leadership, particularly Castro's emphasis on healthcare, education, housing and water.

Meeting Cuban youth leaders, Dr Ngurare called on the younger generation to carry forward the legacy of Fidel Castro and Founding President Sam Nujoma by driving the economic emancipation agenda.

The Prime Minister also met Namibian students studying in Cuba.

The students raised concerns, including electricity shortages and the quality of hostel food, challenges which they say are affecting their studies.

Dr Ngurare assured them that the government would not abandon them and would work towards finding solutions.

Most of the students are pursuing medicine and engineering, with some having completed their studies and preparing to return to Namibia.

Dr Ngurare's engagements underscore Namibia's continued solidarity with Cuba.