Havana, Sep 21 (RHC) On Monday, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel decreed national mourning for the death of former Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, local press reported.

According to a television communiqué, the mourning will be from 6:00 a.m. (local time) on September 21 until 12:00 p.m. of the same day.

In accordance with this provision, the Cuban flag will be hoisted at half-mast in public buildings and military institutions, and public shows and festive activities will be suspended.

Previously, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez expressed his condolences for the death of the former president, whom he described as a close friend of the country and its Revolution.

Abdelaziz Bouteflika was a member of the Constituent Assembly in 1962 and Foreign Minister in 1963, then served as head of state for four terms.

He was also elected president of the twenty-ninth session of the United Nations General Assembly in 1974, where he won the international community's rejection of the Apartheid policy in southern Africa.

Bouteflika held several meetings with the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, and with Army General Raul Castro.

He promoted joint collaboration of projects in different spheres and Cuba decorated him with the José Martí Order, the highest distinction granted by the Government of the country to outstanding personalities. (Source: Prensa Latina).