7 days ago
Embassy of Venezuela pays tribute to national heroes who struggled for nation's freedom
Ashraf Siddiqui
HE Carlos Jose Mata Figueroa, ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the State of Qatar, recently delivered a keynote address commemorating the historic contributions of Venezuela's leaders in their pursuit of national sovereignty, social justice, and regional integration. The tribute marked a significant moment of reflection on the country's enduring commitment to independence, democracy, and multipolar international cooperation.
The ceremony was attended by HE Jassem Mohammed Al Asmakk, Director of the American Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, as well as a number of ambassadors, officials, and distinguished guests.
In his solo address on the occasion, Ambassador Carlos highlighted pivotal moments in Venezuela's recent history, beginning with the nationalization of the Orinoco Oil Belt. He emphasized the late President Hugo Chávez's strategic vision in diversifying Venezuela's global partnerships to counter external interference, forging alliances with countries such as China, Russia, Turkey, Iran, Vietnam, Korea, Arab nations, and the African continent—all part of a vision for a multipolar world order.
Ambassador Carlos recalled the attempted coup of April 11, 2002, during which President Chávez was illegally ousted and detained for 48 hours. His return to power, facilitated by the Bolivarian Armed Forces and the Venezuelan people, was portrayed as a pivotal defense of constitutional democracy.
He also highlighted Chávez's efforts in promoting regional unity and integration through key initiatives such as:
The Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America - Peoples' Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), 2004 Petrocaribe, 2005, Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), 2008 Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), 2010
The ambassador paid homage to President Chávez, who passed away on March 5, 2013. His remains rest at the Mountain Barracks in Caracas, a symbolic site of the Bolivarian Revolution.
The address also celebrated the electoral victory of President Nicolás Maduro Moros on July 28, 2024, which Ambassador Carlos described as a triumph for the Venezuelan people amid external pressures and economic challenges. The election, he stated, demonstrated the people's choice for peace, sovereignty, and democratic continuity.
Ambassador Carlos reported on the recent humanitarian achievement of rescuing seven Venezuelan children previously detained in the United States, as well as the liberation of 252 Venezuelan nationals who had been illegally detained in El Salvador. These developments were portrayed as examples of the government's unwavering commitment to the protection of its citizens abroad.
President Maduro, according to the ambassador, reaffirmed his government's intention to recover all remaining Venezuelan children still held in migrant detention centers and condemned the reported abuses perpetrated against migrants. The ambassador also referenced the negotiated release of ten individuals described as foreign agents in exchange for the repatriation of Venezuelan detainees.
The address closed with a message of international solidarity and gratitude toward Venezuela's global allies, particularly Russia, China, India, Turkey, Iran, Cuba, Brazil, Qatar, Belarus, and African nations, all considered essential to building a just and multipolar world order.
Ambassador Carlos extended special thanks to HH the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and the Qatari government for their continued support of peace and development efforts.
To conclude the ceremony, Ambassador Carlos invoked a Venezuelan military saying, drawing a powerful metaphor of unity and strength:
'One hears the deafening roar of thunder that shakes the earth, and one feels the destructive power of lightning — it is the artillery, in its great yearning for solidarity and support for its fellow arms'.
He concluded with a call to solidarity: 'Let us be like thunder. Let us be like lightning. Let us be in solidarity with the peoples of the world who so greatly need us'.
Throughout the event, several short videos were presented, including historical footage of former President Hugo Chávez condemning the genocide acts of Zionist Israeli regime and segments addressing international political issues.
Guests were treated to traditional Venezuelan snacks like Cachapa with cheese, Arepa with cheese, Arepa Reina Pepiada, Taquinos, and a rare, Papelon with lemon (premium pure sugar-cane juice).
