US PRESIDENT Barack Obama said that while “discord and profound political disagreements” marked US-Cuban relations for nearly six decades, the US was extending “a hand of friendship to the Cuban people” during their time of grief.

“History will record and judge the enormous impact of this singular figure on the people and world around him,” he added.

Pope Francis sent a telegram to Cuban President Raul Castro, offering “my sense of grief to your excellency and family.”

Also among the world leaders who send their condolences to Cuba was Russian President Vladimir Putin.

He called the late Cuban leader “a sincere and reliable friend of Russia” who had built “an inspiring example for many countries and nations.”

And Chinese President Xi Jinping said that Fidel Castro had “made immortal historical contributions to the development of socialism around the world.

“With his death, the Chinese people have lost a close comrade and a sincere friend. His glorious image and great achievements will be recorded in history forever.”