World leaders paid tribute to socialist Cuban icon Fidel Castro on Saturday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the longtime leader, as the “symbol of an era in modern world history”. The Kremlin strongman said that Castro, who he described as a sincere and reliable friend of Russia, had managed to build a “free and independent Cuba” that “became an influential member of the international community and served as an inspiration for many countries.”

Putin added that Castro had made a “huge personal contribution” in the establishment and development of the countries’ bilateral relations while former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev hailed the Cuban revolutionary leader for strengthening his island nation.

The Cuban government announced on Saturday morning that Fidel Castro’s ashes will be interred at the Santa Ifigenia cemetery in Santiago de Cuba on 4 December.

End of an Era – Fidel Castro Dies at 90 https://t.co/y1dYmOuCXQ pic.twitter.com/ffZoQzMVoB— Russia Insider (@RussiaInsider) November 26, 2016