Canada deeply proud of its historical friendship with Nelson Mandela: Canada PM Trudeau
Ottawa, July 18 (IBNS): Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said his country is deeply proud of its historical friendship with anti-apartheid revolutionary and former South African President Nelson Mandela on the occasion of the latter's 100th birthday on Wednesday.
Issuing a statement, Trudeau said: "Today, on Nelson Mandela International Day, we join people around the world to reflect on the life and legacy of the anti-apartheid revolutionary and former South African President. As we mark 100 years since Nelson Mandela’s birth, we celebrate his contributions to peace and justice, and carry forward his call for equality and freedom.
"Nelson Mandela devoted his life to the liberation struggle in South Africa. Against the brutal oppression and entrenched discrimination of apartheid, he was a voice for justice that never faltered. Serving 27 years in prison for his efforts, he brought the resistance inside and continued to lead the movement even as a political prisoner. By the time he was released, he was a symbol for freedom struggles everywhere.
Mandela, who died in 2013, was the first democratically-elected president of South Africa and the country’s first black head of State.
He had been in prison for 27 years on charges of sabotage before being released and eventually elected president.
Speaking about Mandela's leadership, Trudeau said: "Nelson Mandela’s leadership was instrumental in bringing apartheid to an end, and in 1993 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his work to advance civil rights and lay the foundation for a new democratic South Africa. He continued to champion democracy and justice for South Africans as the country’s first black President and until the end of his life.
“Canada is deeply proud of its historical friendship with Nelson Mandela. Our country played a leading role in the international fight against apartheid, helping to force economic sanctions against the regime. We were honoured when Mr. Mandela spoke before a special joint session of the House of Commons and the Senate shortly after his release. In 2000, he was the first foreign leader invested into the Order of Canada as an Honorary Companion, and in 2001, he became the first living person to receive honorary Canadian citizenship."
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