A group photo is taken at the commemorative event on March 5, 2024. Photo: Courtesy of Consulate General of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in Shanghai

Tuesday marked the 11th anniversary of the passing away of former Venezuelan  President Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías.

A commemorative event was held by Consulate General of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in Shanghai on the day, to honor the memory of Chávez, as well as his contribution to Venezuela and the Latin America region.

Atilio Villasmil, Consul General of Venezuela in Shanghai, recounted some highlights in Chávez's lifetime. He praised Chávez as a leader that overpassed the Venezuelan frontiers that left his impact on the new generations.

"He inspired us to dream with a more just, solidary, integrated world," said Villasmil. "He showed us with example that world, is a possible world, in which education, health, housing, feeding and technology are human rights; a world in which cultural diversity is a richness; a world in which cooperation and complementarity are the principles guiding international relations."

Chávez sponsored regional integration mechanisms that strengthen unity and independence among Latin American and Caribbean countries, including the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), said Villasmil.

"He also developed new paths for Venezuela in the international arena, creating a relation of brotherhood with countries as China or Russia," he added.

Chávez was a great friend of the Chinese people. His several visits to China since 1999 achieved fruitful cooperation agreements between the two countries' governments and enterprises.

The commemoration on Tuesday included a photography exhibition and a video projection about Chávez. Diplomats from some other countries, including Brazil, Cuba, Iran, Mexico, Russia, Colombia, Belarus, Argentina and Chile, also attended the event.