HAVANA, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Cuban President Raul Castro received Prime Minister of Namibia Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila here Thursday, and both vowed to strengthen ties, an official statement said.

During the talks, Castro and Kuugongelwa-Amadhila highlighted the excellent state of bilateral relations and expressed their mutual willingness to enhance collaboration between Cuba and Namibia.

"They also discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest," said the statement.

Kuugongelwa-Amadhila laid a wreath at the Havana Cemetery on Wednesday to the Cuban soldiers fallen during the wars for the independence of African peoples.

"The Cuban contribution to the liberation of Africa, in general, and in particular of Namibia is immeasurable," said the Namibian prime minister, who arrived in Cuba on Wednesday for a three-day official visit.

Cuba and Namibia established diplomatic relations on March 21, 1990, a few days after the African country gained its independence.