The President of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel, today recalled the legacy of the leader of the Bolivarian Revolution, Hugo Chávez, 12 years after his physical disappearance and highlighted the validity of his thought.

In a message published on his account on X, the head of state said that this date is a day of remembrance and homage to Cuba’s best friend, as Fidel Castro described him.

«One goes but does not leave, said Cuba’s best friend, and 12 years after his painful departure, we can confirm it: #ChavezLives in the hearts of his people and of all those who believe that a better world is possible. If we fight to achieve it,» the president stressed on the social network.

Chávez was born on 28 July 1954 in Sabaneta, Barinas state. He focused his policies on social projects for the Venezuelan people, and during his presidential term basic and strategic industries were nationalised for the country’s development.

He created the Communal Councils and programmes prioritising food, housing, education and the health of the people; he rescued the national identity and defended the most dispossessed.

He also promoted Latin American integration through the creation and promotion of multilateral transformation mechanisms for complementarity and social justice.

In December 1994, Chávez arrived in Havana and was received by the historic leader of the Revolution, Fidel Castro, which marked the beginning of a strong bond of cooperation, solidarity and friendship between the two peoples.

On 5 March 2013, the then Venezuelan leader died at the age of 58 after leading a radical process of change in the South American nation for three decades, focused on social transformations.