Algeria's ambassador to Namibia has stated that the late former President Liamine Zéroual played a key role in strengthening bilateral relations between Algeria and Namibia.

Zéroual died on Saturday in a military hospital in Algiers at the age of 84 and was buried in his hometown of Batna on Monday.

Ambassador Abdelkrim Diaf said his connection to Namibia dates back to September 1998, when he became the first and only Algerian head of state to visit the country, following an invitation by Founding President Sam Nujoma.

During that visit, Nujoma acknowledged Algeria's support for Namibia's liberation struggle, including political, military and humanitarian assistance.

"During this visit, President Nujoma made a statement that remained ancient in our hearts. He said, 'In this sense, therefore, I am about to state that the seeds of our independence were sown in Algeria as much as they were in Namibia.' This statement powerfully captured why that visit was so significant. It was the moment the wind called the circle from the Algerian revolution to the window of sovereignty." 

The visit also led to the establishment of a joint commission of cooperation and the opening of a Namibian embassy in Algeria.

"Today we are building on that very foundation; our relations have evolved from a revolutionary solidarity to a robust modern partnership. We are currently working on ambitious programmes in energy and renewables, with high-level delegates exchanging expertise, and we are also focusing on desert agriculture, a field where both countries share great potential, alongside our continued cooperation in the health and education sector."

Zéroual, born in 1941, was a prominent military leader who fought in Algeria's war of independence before rising to senior positions within the army.

He later served as Algeria's Head of State in 1994, was elected president in 1995 and stepped down in 1998.

"To understand President Zeroual is to understand the soul of Algeria. He was first and foremost a major head and freedom fighter who dedicated his life to our liberation war, and later, as president, he was the man who held us through the storm, making the country rich with wisdom during one of our most challenging periods. He was a man of his world and a soldier of his people and a leader who always put the nation's stability above personal power."

Algeria declared a three-day national mourning period in his honour on Sunday.

"His final act of humility that defined his life: he requested to be buried among the people in Batna, where our former presidents are traditionally laid, resting in the soil that he fought for. Finally, to the Algerian community here in Namibia, we share your grief; we lost a father whose values of dignity and service remain our guide." 

Ambassador Diaf also thanked Namibians for their support towards Algeria during this time.