Havana, February. 4 (RHC) -- President Miguel Díaz-Canel today decreed official mourning in Cuba for the death on Sunday of his Namibian counterpart, Hage Gotfried Geingob.

The official mourning will be in effect from 6:00 a.m. on February 5 until 12:00 midnight on February 6, 2024, in honor of the dear friend of this Caribbean country.

Throughout his life, from his time as a tireless fighter for the independence of Namibia, to his performance as President, Prime Minister and in other high positions in the sister African nation, Gotfried Geingob demonstrated his enormous affection and friendship for Cuba, recalled the Granma newspaper.

The late leader contributed greatly to consolidate and strengthen the historic relations of brotherhood between the two countries.

He received the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Order in 1994 and was awarded the José Martí Order, which will be presented posthumously.

The Cuban people are grateful for his clear and repeated public denunciations of the U.S. blockade against the island and his country's leadership in the adoption of resolutions on the issue in the African Union and other international scenarios.

During the period of official mourning, the Cuban flag shall be flown at half-mast in public buildings and military institutions. (Source: Prensa Latina)