General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng meets Cuban leader Fidel Castro during his official visit to Cuba in 2012. — VNA/VNS Photo Minh Tú

HAVANA — Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel on July 19 announced a state mourning in commemoration of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Việt Nam Nguyễn Phú Trọng.

A communique run by Granma, the daily of the Communist Party of Cuba, said the country would officially observe mourning from 6 am on July 20 (local time) to midnight on July 21, while the state mourning will run for the whole of July 22.

During the state mourning, flags will be hoisted at half-mast at all public buildings and military offices.

The Cuban leader expressed deep grief at the passing away of Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng, who he called a beloved comrade and sincere friend of Cuba.

Also on July 19, the Cuban National Assembly observed a minute in commemoration of Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng.

Cuban media described Party General Nguyễn Phú Trọng as one of those who enthusiastically boosted the fraternal and special relations and the mutual trust between the Parties, National Assemblies, Governments, and peoples of the two countries.

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