Cuba has decreed an official day and a half of mourning in honour of the memory of the late President Hage Geingob.
In making the announcement, Diaz-Canel stated that the late Dr. Geingob demonstrated enormous affection and friendship for Cuba as President, Prime Minister, and throughout his life, from his time as a tireless fighter for the independence of Namibia.
President Diaz-Canel therefore declared an official mourning period, which started at six this morning in Cuban time. It will end at noon tomorrow (Tuesday).
Cuba says the late Namibian leader contributed greatly to consolidating and strengthening the historic relations of brotherhood between both countries.
Dr. Geingob received the "Carlos Manuel de Céspedes" Order in 1994 and was awarded the José Martí Order, which will be awarded posthumously.
The Cuban government stated that the Cuban people appreciate Dr. Geingob's clear and repeated public denunciation of the US economic blockade and Namibia's leadership in the adoption of resolutions on the issue in the African Union and in other international forums.
For the duration of the official mourning period, the Cuban flag, or the Lone Star, as it is affectionately known, will fly half-mast at public buildings and military institutions.
Venezuela's President, Nicolas Maduro, in his tribute message, described Dr. Geingob as an unconditional friend of Venezuela. He described the late Namibian leader as a permanent defender of causes in favour of social justice.
Maduro offered his condolences to his family and the people of Namibia.
In another tribute to the late Dr. Geingob, China's President Xi Jinping described President Geingob as an outstanding leader of Namibia who has made an important contribution to enhancing China-Namibia and China-Africa friendship by promoting the in-depth development of a comprehensive China-Namibia strategic cooperation partnership.
President Xi said the unfortunate passing of President Geingob is a great loss to the Namibian and Chinese people, but pointed out that China cherishes the profound China-Namibia traditional friendship and is ready to work together with Namibia in pushing forward the constant development of the China-Namibia comprehensive strategic cooperation partnership.