A minute in commemoration of Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong takes place at the Cuban Embassy in Vietnam on July 19, 2024 (Photo: Cuban Embassy)

A communique run by Granma, the daily of the Communist Party of Cuba, said Cuba began observing a mourning from 6AM of July 20 to midnight of July 21, while the state mourning will run for the whole of July 22. During the state mourning, flags will be hoisted half-mast at all the public buildings and military offices.

The Cuban leader expressed deep grief at the passing of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, who he called a beloved comrade and sincere friend of Cuba. The Cuban President sent condolences to fraternal Vietnamese people, and family and relatives of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

At its regular meeting on Friday, the Cuban National Assembly observed a minute of silence in commemoration of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

Cuban media described Party General Nguyen Phu Trong as one of those who enthusiastically boost the fraternal and special relations and the mutual must between the Parties, National Assemblies, Governments, and peoples of the two countries.

The Party leader made official visits to Cuba in 2012 and 2018.