The government Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva mourned the death of José ‘Pepe’ Mujica, former president of Uruguay and idol of the Latin American left, on Tuesday, 13.
“Great friend of Brazil, former Mujica President was an enthusiast of Mercosur, Unasur and Celac, one of the main artifices of the integration of South America and Latin America and, above all, one of the most important humanists of our time,” says Itamaraty in a statement, stating his “commitment to the construction of a fairer, democratic and solidary international order.”
Mujica died at age 89 after being diagnosed with esophagus cancer that had spread. With advanced age, he cannot undergo more invasive treatments and was resigned to death in an interview earlier this year.
Itamaraty recalled the visit of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who was with Pepe Mujica at its site, on the outskirts of Montevideo, at the end of last year. At the time, Lula presented the Uruguayan leader with the National Order of Cruzeiro do Sul, the highest decoration to foreign citizens.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also states that Mujica’s legacy will continue to “guide all and all those who genuinely believe in the integration of our region as an unavoidable path to development and our ability to build a better world for future generations.”
Finally, the Brazilian government has sympathized with the relatives of Pepe Mujica and the Uruguayans.
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The Brazilian government became aware, with deep regret, of the death today of the former president of the eastern republic of Uruguay, José Alberto “Pepe” Mujica, at the age of 89, in Montevideo.
Great friend from Brazil, former Mujica President was an enthusiast of Mercosur, Unasur and Celac, one of the main artisans of the integration of South and Latin America and, especially one of the most important humanists of our time. Its commitment to the construction of a fairer, more democratic and solidarity international order is an example for all and all.
On December 5 last year, during a visit to Montevideo, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva awarded “Pepe” Mujica with the National Order of Cruzeiro do Sul, the highest award offered by Brazil to foreign citizens. At the time, the President of the Republic referred to former Mujica President as “the most extraordinary person” among the presidents with whom he lived.
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The legacy of “Pepe” Mujica will remain, guiding all and those who genuinely believe in the integration of our region as an unavoidable path to development and our ability to build a better world for future generations.
In this moment of pain, the Brazilian government extends to the widow Lucía Topolansky and the former president’s relatives, as well as the Uruguayan government and people, their most senses and expressions of solidarity.
