MOSCOW (Sputnik) — According to the statement, Vladimir Putin called the president of Cuba’s Raul Castro to express condolences on behalf of the Russian people and himself after the death of Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro.
Putin described the deceased as a "remarkable political figure, a patriot" and praised him for his contribution to a friendship and strategic cooperation between Cuba and Russia.
"Raul Castro has thanked the Russian leader for his words of support and reaffirmed his course toward comprehensive cooperation with Russia," the message continued.