Vietnamese leaders pay homage to Cuban leader Fidel Castro

Fidel Castro, former First President of the Cuban Communist Party’s Central Committee and President of the State Council and Council of Ministers, passed away on November 25 (Havana time) at the age of 90.

Mourning the loss with Cuban Ambassador Herminio Lopez Diaz, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong conveyed his boundless sorrow and deepest sympathy to the Party, State and people of Cuba and the leader’s family.

Writing in the funeral book, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong recalled the late leader’s famous saying “For Vietnam, Cuba is willing to donate blood”, and affirmed the solidarity of Vietnam with Cuban people.

Meanwhile, President Tran Dai Quang wrote on the funeral book that “Fidel Castro is a great and close friend, a comrade and brother of Party, State leaders and people of Vietnam during the past 50 years”.

“The burning passion and great courage of the revolutionary leader left a strong impression on those who had the honour to meet him, including me”, he wrote.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc led a Government delegation, including Deputy PMs Vuong Dinh Hue and Trinh Dinh Dung, paid a floral tribute to the Cuban leader.

The PM wrote: “the life and revolutionary career of leader Fidel Castro is a great symbol of the spirit of resilient and brave struggle for national independence and freedom of Cuba as well as the liberation movement and struggle against imperialist and racial discrimination for peace and justice in the world”.

“For Vietnamese people, Fidel Castro is a close and loyal friend who made great contributions to the foundation, enforcement and development of the fraternal ties, comprehensive cooperation and mutual trust between Vietnam and Cuba. He accompanied Vietnam during the hard years of the struggle for national independence and reunification as well as the national construction and development,” wrote the PM.

The same day, various delegations from ministries and sectors, representatives from embassies and international organisations and individuals who have studied and worked in Cuba, paid homage to the revolutionary leader at the Cuban Embassy.

The Cuban Embassy’s funeral book commemorating Fidel Castro will remain open until December 4.