MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

As president for 14 years, “Chavez left a lasting impression on Venezuela and more widely”

Chavez visited the UK several times and in 2001 met with the Queen and then PM Tony Blair

The UK Foreign secretary has paid tribute to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who he said left a “lasting impression” on his country. Chavez, 58, died on Tuesday after being seriously ill with cancer, ending his 14-year rule.

William Hague said he was “saddened” to hear of his death. He added: “As President of Venezuela for 14 years he has left a lasting impression on the country and more widely.

”I would like to offer my condolences to his family and to the Venezuelan people at this time.“

Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams also remembered Mr Chavez, who he said had worked tirelessly to improve the lives of Venezuelan citizens.

”He dedicated himself to building a new and radical society in Venezuela,“ he said.

”His progressive social and economic changes took millions out of poverty. He extended free health care and education for all citizens and his re-election last year with a huge majority was testimony to his vision.“

Chavez visited the UK on a number of occasions, meeting the Queen and the then Prime Minister Tony Blair in 2001, and former mayor of London Ken Livingstone in 2006.

Mr Livingstone tweeted that President Chavez was a ”friend and comrade“ who ”showed there is an alternative to neo-liberalism and colonialism in Venezuela“.

”The best tribute for Hugo Chavez is to redouble our efforts for a world free of exploitation and colonialism. RIP,“ he added.

The British ambassador to Venezuela, Catherine Nettleton, also offered her condolences on behalf of the UK. She said she had met Mr Chavez on two occasions and he had ”warmly remembered“ his visits to the UK.

”President Chavez was passionate about his country and his passing will be widely felt in Venezuela. We will continue to work with the Venezuelan government to build our co-operation in areas of mutual interest,” she said.