Earlier in the day, the President of Russia sent a message of congratulations to Raul Castro.
The message reads, in part:
“You enjoy the well-deserved respect of your compatriots as well as high international esteem as an experienced and far-seeing politician who has done a lot for his country’s socioeconomic development and international standing.
The entire modern history of Russian-Cuban relations is closely linked with your name. In recent years, we have achieved impressive results in the development of mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation in various fields, largely due to your personal efforts.
I greatly appreciate the friendly relationship between us. I look forward to new meetings with you and the continuation of our productive collaboration.
I sincerely wish you good health, good spirits, happiness and new successes in your official duties.”