The message said:

Upon hearing the sad news that Comrade Fidel Castro Ruz, the supreme leader of the Cuban revolution, passed away unexpectedly, I expressed deep condolences to you and, through you, to the Cuban party, government and people and the bereaved family members of the deceased.

Comrade Fidel Castro Ruz waged a bloody struggle in his early years with arms in his hands, winning the victory of the Cuban revolution.

Comrade Fidel Castro Ruz was the outstanding leader of the Cuban people and a prominent political activist who made distinguished contributions to accomplishing the cause of independence against imperialism, the cause of socialism and justice, as he honorably defended the sovereignty and dignity of the country, established the socialist system where the people became the genuine masters for the first time in the Western Hemisphere and devoted all his life to the prosperity of the country and the happiness of the people.

He was the close friend and comrade of the Korean people who made all efforts to strengthen the friendly and cooperative relations between the two parties, governments and peoples of our two countries and extended firm support and encouragement to our efforts for national reunification and just cause with the invariable revolutionary principle and obligation for over half a century.

Though he passed away, the precious feats he performed will remain forever in the hearts of the peoples of our two countries and the hearts of progressive mankind.

I express conviction that the revolutionary Cuban people would overcome the pain they suffer from the loss of their distinguished leader and certainly build the prospering ideal society of the people and achieve the victory of the socialist cause under the wise leadership of you, Comrade Raul Castro Ruz, true to the lifetime intention of Comrade Fidel Castro Ruz.