On Monday, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea began three days of official mourning for late Cuban leader Fidel Castro. The DPRK remembers him as a “close friend” and heroic ally in a joint struggle against U.S. aggression.

“I express my deep condolences for Fidel Castro, an outstanding leader who contributed greatly to the improvement of friendly ties between the people of Cuba and our people, fighting in the outpost of the anti-imperialist struggle,” said So Nam-Hui, officer of People’s Committee of Pyongyang.

A Castro obituary was published by the ruling party newspaper, Rodong Sinmun. The obit recalled his visit to DPRK in 1986 when he met founder-leader Kim Il Sung. It noted that the Cuban leader was awarded the title of “DPRK Hero” for his efforts to strengthen relations between two countries “fighting in the outposts of the anti-U.S., anti-imperialist struggle.” 

DPRK leader Kim Jong Un sent a condolence message on Castro’s death, calling him a “close friend and comrade” of the Korean people. 

An official delegation led by senior Kim aide and vice chairman of the ruling Workers’ Party Central Committee, Choe Ryong Hae, left for Havana on Monday to attend memorial events.