Havana, Mar 18 (RHC)--Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel decreed official mourning from 6:00 a.m. to midnight on March 19, on the occasion of the death of Tanzanian President John Pombe Magufuli, national television reported.

"Our people have received with deep sorrow the news of the death of the president of the United Republic of Tanzania, John Pombe Magufuli, who maintained a relationship of friendship and respect towards Cuba," the presidential decree said.

It added that the late president contributed to the maintenance of the historical relations between the two countries and the development of bilateral cooperation, and Cuba's ties with the African peoples.

In correspondence with such disposition, during the mourning period, the Cuban national flag will be flown at half-mast in public buildings and military institutions.

On Thursday, Díaz-Canel expressed on Twitter condolences to the people and government of Tanzania and family and friends for the death of the president of that African nation.