Cuba mourns death of former Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika

HAVANA, Cuba, Sep 18 (ACN) Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla regretted the death of former Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

On behalf of Cuba, Rodriguez Parrilla conveyed condolences to the Algerian people and government after the death of the man who was also a close friend of Cuba and its Revolution.
Minister Rodriguez extended his condolences to Bouteflika's relatives and loved ones.

"Very heartfelt condolences to the Algerian people and government on the death of former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who was also a close friend of Cuba and its Revolution. We extend our condolences to his family and loved ones," the foreign minister tweeted.
Known as the peacemaker, Bouteflika died Friday at the age of 84, after ruling Algeria for 20 years (1999-2019).

According to Granma newspaper, the former president was a supporter of the Cuban Revolution and had many meetings with Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz and Army General Raul Castro Ruz, with whom he exchanged on the international political and economic reality, and especially on joint cooperation projects.

Bouteflika, president of the United Nations General Assembly in 1974 and Algeria's foreign minister from 1963 to 1979, was decorated by Cuba with the José Martí Order, the highest distinction granted by the Cuban government.