World leaders paid tribute to socialist Cuban icon Fidel Castro on Saturday. <br /><br /> Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the longtime leader, as the “symbol of an era in modern world history”. The Kremlin strongman said that Castro, who he described as a sincere and reliable friend of Russia, had managed to build a “free and independent Cuba” that “became an influential member of the international community and served as an inspiration for many countries.”<br /><br /> Putin added that Castro had made a “huge personal contribution” in the establishment and development of the countries’ bilateral relations while former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev hailed the Cuban revolutionary leader for strengthening his island nation.<br /><br /> The Cuban government announced on Saturday morning that Fidel Castro’s ashes will be interred at the Santa Ifigenia cemetery in Santiago de Cuba on 4 December.<br /><br /> End of an Era – Fidel Castro Dies at 90 https://t.co/y1dYmOuCXQ pic.twitter.com/ffZoQzMVoB— Russia Insider (@RussiaInsider) November 26, 2016<br />
