Paris, March 29 (RHC)-- Representatives of the Group of 77 plus China (G77 + China), gathered Tuesday at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, paid tribute to the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, the late Fidel Castro, and stressed his commitment to their peoples' independence struggles.

According to diplomatic sources, the G-77 + China UNESCO Chapter began its first plenary meeting of 2017 by observing a minute of silence in honor of the Cuban leader, at the request of the outgoing president of the group, Zimbabwean Ambassador Rudo Chitiga.

The Zimbabwean diplomat described Fidel as a permanent source of inspiration, and emphasized his deep commitment to the objectives and historical struggles of the bloc's member countries.

Cuba’s Ambassador to UNESCO Dulce Buergo thanked members of the Group of 77 plus China for the gesture, as well as the countless expressions of solidarity and support received following Fidel's death last November 26th.