UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Saturday symphathised with the people of Cuba over the death of former President Fidel Castro at the age of 90.
In a condolence message, the secretary-general also extended UN support to Cuban as they mourn the death of their leader.
“At this time of national mourning, I offer the support of the United Nations to work alongside the people of the island,” Ban said.
He recalled vividly his meeting with the late Castro during a visit to Cuba in January 2014.
Ban said he had a lively discussion that covered developments around the world, sustainable development and climate change.
“Under former President Castro, Cuba made advances in the fields of education literacy and health.
“I hope that Cuba will continue to advance on a path of reform and greater prosperity,” the secretary-general said.
He said late Castro was an emblematic figure of the Cuban revolution, prominent in Latin America and influential in world affairs.
“As Prime Minister, President, Commander of the Cuban Armed Forces and First Secretary of the Cuban Communist Party, his role at the helm of Cuba spanned nearly 50 years.
“He left a major imprint on his country and on global politics. His revolutionary ideals left few indifferent.
“He was a strong voice for social justice in global discussions at the UN General Assembly, international and regional fora,” he said. (NAN)