Havana, November 24 (RHC)-- Cuban President Raúl Castro has congratulated His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia on his 70th birthday.

Diplomatic sources in Moscow reported that in the message, the Cuban leader wished Kirill, who is also Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church, success in his laudable undertaking defending and promoting   the unique historical, cultural and spiritual heritage of Russia, and fostering interfaith and inter-ethnic dialogue in his country and around the world.

The Cuban head of state reaffirmed our country's willingness and readiness to work toward further strengthening friendship ties between the Cuban and Russian governments and peoples.