Насе 10 years ago, the eternal Commander Hugo Chávez passed away – the personality who has played a key role in the process of formation of the contemporary political arena not only on a national, but also on a regional and international scale.
His course towards socialist transformation, based on the Bolivarian principles of national freedom, sovereignty and independence, integration and friendship among peoples, changed the global landscape like lightning.
His determination and firmness inspired some and scared others, but they left no one indifferent. Sincerely, the Commander gave the bell. But being a leader of enormous magnitude, he liked simple things. I remember it as if it were today, taking his guayoyito from the enameled metal cup early in the morning of April 2, 2010 on the runway of the “Simón Bolívar” International Airport in Maiquetía, waiting together with the Russian diplomats for the arrival of the plane of the President of the Government of the Russian Federation at that time, Vladimir Putin. Calm, smiling and totally ordinary.
He never lost connection with his people. He was a leader who listened to his people, who understood his deep needs and had the courage and determination to defend the will of the Venezuelan people without doubt or fear, facing a lot of pressure. A true son of Venezuela.
It should be noted that with the arrival of Hugo Chávez to power, a new stage began in relations between Russia and Venezuela. The two newly elected Presidents – Vladimir Putin and Hugo Chávez – met for the first time in 2000, at the beginning of the second millennium, establishing a friendship between our nations in order to move together towards a more just, balanced, respectful and multipolar world. Since that time, the association between Russia and Venezuela, planted by the Commander, grew into a true strategic alliance that housed diverse and broad cooperation in the areas of defense, energy, finance, trade, health, education, culture, science, etc. Together we take a strong stand in defense of the principles of the United Nations Charter and against the dictation and monopoly of neo-colonialism. Together we are facing the aggression of the USA and the NATO countries, the inhumane and illegal sanctions. And we do a good job.
As Hugo Chávez said: “Only unity makes us free and independent!” We will continue walking this path to victory.
We will always remember Hugo Chávez.
