WINDHOEK, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Namibian Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has called on Namibians and corporate entities to support Cuba through a national solidarity campaign aimed at helping the Caribbean nation cope with humanitarian and economic challenges linked to long-standing U.S. sanctions.

Ngurare made the appeal during a courtesy visit by Cuban Ambassador to Namibia Sergio de la Uz in Windhoek, said his office in a statement released on Sunday.

Recalling Cuba's support for Namibia during its liberation struggle, Ngurare said Namibia had a historical responsibility to stand with Cuba in difficult times.

The two sides also discussed ways to deepen cooperation in areas including local authority development, healthcare, student exchanges, youth empowerment and other sectors of mutual interest.

Ngurare said U.S. sanctions had placed severe pressure on Cuba, affecting access to fuel, medicines and other essential supplies.

"Cuba is going through a humanitarian crisis that comes with unprecedented social and economic hardships," he said, adding that hospitals were facing shortages of critical medicines and medical supplies.

Ngurare reaffirmed Namibia's solidarity with Cuba and its government, saying the relationship between the two countries remains rooted in historical friendship and mutual support.

Meanwhile, the Namibia National Solidarity Campaign in Support of Cuba has raised more than 700,000 Namibian dollars (about 43,000 U.S. dollars) to support Cuba's humanitarian needs, particularly the procurement of medicines. ■