Fidel Castro: an icon of revolution, national independence and internationalism

(Bqp.vn) - The passing of Fide l Castro, a brilliant leader, a towering revolutionary and a beloved commander, is a tremendous loss for the people of the Island of Freedom and peace-loving people worldwide.

Cuban leader Fidel Castro visited the Quang Tri battlefield in 1973.

Fidel has always been a bright example of steadfastness in the struggle for national independence, a lofty spirit of internationalism and a fighter for the people’s happiness.

Belonging to a generation of outstanding revolutionaries hailing from developing countries like Ho Chi Minh, Nelson Mandela and Che Guevara, who devoted their entire lives to the ideals of freedom and national liberation, Fidel Castro is one of a few who had become a legend during his lifetime.

Under the leadership of the beloved commander, the Cuban people have weathered numerous difficulties and the economic blockade, marvelling the world with their great achievements. Fidel has engraved Cuba into the annals of human history with a revolution that toppled a dictatorship and led a country to freedom and independence. Fidel has become a hero, a source of inspiration for the oppressed peoples of the world.

On November 26, the Cuban people across the country expressed their deep grief over the death of their beloved leader. World leaders also expressed their sympathy for the Cuban people and peace-loving people around the world. The Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the Vietnamese President and Government and the Standing Committee of the Vietnamese National Assembly have offered their condolences to the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and Cuba’s Council of State, Government and National Assembly of People’s Power over this great loss.

Cuban leader Fidel Castro and General Vo Nguyen Giap in 2003.

After the news of Fidel Castro’s death was announced, the leaders of many Latin American countries sent their condolences and expressed statements of deep mourning. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro said that Fidel Castro had made history together with the peoples of the world, carving out a path of dignity.

Bolivian President Evo Morales said that Fidel Castro had left a legacy of having fought for the integration of the world’s peoples.

Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto said that Fidel Castro was a leader of the Cuban revolution and an emblem of the 20th century. Fidel Castro was a friend of Mexico and a proponent of a bilateral relationship based on respect, dialogue and solidarity.

In his letter of condolences, Chinese President Xi Jinping said history and the Chinese people would remember him as a great man of our time and true comrade of China.

From Russia, President Vladimir Putin said Fidel Castro was a sincere and reliable friend to Russia. He sincerely embodied the high ideals of a politician, a citizen and a patriot, convinced of the correctness of the cause to which he dedicated his whole life. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of the citizens of Russia.

Sharing this loss with the Cuban Government and people, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Fidel Castro was one of the most iconic personalities of the 20th century and that India mourned the loss of a great friend.

South African President Jacob Zuma had warm words to share, thanking the Cuban leader for his help and support in the struggle to overthrow apartheid.

Iran’s Supreme Leader expressed his admiration for Fidel Castro, stating that it was his personality to believe and rely on the people.

The Philippine government extended its condolences to the people of Cuba on the occasion of the death of former President Fidel Castro, who reasserted his nation’s dignity and self-worth and stood up against the West and capitalism.

From France, Pierre Laurent, National Secretary of the French Communist Party, said that Fidel Castro was one of the leaders of the movement of human emancipation in the 20th century.

For the Vietnamese people, the images of Cuba and Fidel Castro are always associated with the revolutionary heroism, the spirit of uprising and an aspiration for freedom and happiness. The Vietnamese people always convey to the Cuban leader a profound love, admiration and sympathy. The Vietnam-Cuba relationship is a special relationship, a model for international relations. The Vietnamese people will always bear in their hearts the image of a loyal hero and revolutionary and his immortal statement “For Vietnam, we are willing to give even our own blood!”

The passing of Fidel is a great loss for the Vietnamese people, especially those who have studied and worked in Cuba and those who have had the honour of meeting Fidel and have warm memories of Cuba’s beloved leader. Vice Chairman of the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Association Pham Tien Tu said this was a great loss for the Communist Party of Cuba and the Cuban people, the proletarian revolutionary movement and the peace-loving world. He believes that Fidel’s monumental contributions to the Latin American revolution will always be valuable assets that will continue to inspire struggles for justice, national independence, democracy, peace and social progress.