Accra, 17 February 2024. - The High Commissioner of the Republic of Namibia, H.E. Ms. Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, invited Cuba to speak at the Memorial to honour the late President of the Republic of Namibia, H.E. Mr. Hage Gottfried Geingob. It is for that reason that H.E. Ms. Anette Chao García, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to the Republic of Ghana addressed the Accra International Conference Centre.
At the event, the Cuban diplomat highlighted the relations between Cuba and Namibia and how important the children of the African continent are for Cuba, especially children like the late President Geingob who, according to her, visited the island on several occasions. She also recalled that on 4 February, very close to the time of the death, the President of the Republic of Cuba, H.E. Miguel Mario Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, with sadness made the announcement of the news and it was declared national mourning for 2 days in the island.
The Ambassador continued by highlighting the loyalty of brother Geingob, describing him as a man of principles, of great kindness, a pillar of the consolidation of the historic relations established between Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz and the First President of Namibia, Sam Nujoma. She noted that these relations were forged in the struggle against the Apartheid regime, against injustice and against inequity.
She explained that the late president unconditionally supported the struggle against the blockade imposed by the US on Cuba and that, in recognition of his friendship, the Cuban government awarded him the Order “Carlos Manuel de Céspedes” of Second Class, in 1994; and that the family will be presented with the Order “José Martí”, of First Class.
Before concluding her remarks, she expressed that with deep sorrow we bid farewell to a dear brother, and that every time she thinks of death she reflects on what should be done in life, consequently she urged the present to take H.E. Mr. Hage Gottfried Geingob as an example of leadership, solidarity, courage, friendship, loyalty and respect for the people. The Cuban official asked those present to celebrate his life by giving him immortality through hard work, as he did. She quoted Cuba's National Hero, José Martí when he said “Death is not true when the work of life has been well accomplished”. She concluded by saying ‘You did well dear brother, you will be with us eternally. Thank you…”
For her part, the Namibian Ambassador to Ghana in her speech at the conclusion of the event mentioned the excellent relations between Namibia and Cuba, which was one of the reasons why she invited the Cuban Ambassador to be among the speakers at the memorial in honour of H.E. Mr. Hage Geingob.
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