Pretoria - Defence and Military Veterans Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has expressed shock at the passing of General Julio Casas Regueiro, the Cuban Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR).
Sisulu described him as one of the greatest Cuban revolutionaries, who was prepared to die and sacrifice his all for the Cuban revolution.
"Our history with that of the Cuban people and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba spans decades before our own liberation, and has been since our struggle for the liberation of South Africa," Sisulu said.
"This association between the two countries and defence forces has grown from strength to strength because of people like General Regueiro, who contributed not only to the liberation of our country but the establishment of a new defence force for a democratic South Africa... We are indebted to General Regueiro."
Regueiro, who died on Saturday from a heart attack, would have visited South Africa later this month.
This, according to Sisulu, would have further strengthened relations between the two countries. Even more important was the signing of a significant agreement between the two defence forces, which would have been yet another milestone in the longstanding relationship.
Sisulu described Regueiro as someone who was interested in the progress being made by the SA National Defence Force as it consolidates itself into a highly trained and professional force. - BuaNews
