MADRID – Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy expressed on Saturday his condolences to the Cuban authorities following the death of former president and revolutionary leader Fidel Castro.

Castro died late on Friday at the age of 90. The news was announced in an address on state television shortly thereafter by the leader’s brother and current president, Raul Castro.

“My condolences to the government and authorities of Cuba for the death of ex-president Fidel Castro, a significant historical figure,” Mariano Rajoy said on Twitter.

Visibly emotional in his state address, Raul Castro told watchers that Fidel Castro’s body was to be cremated.

The last images of Fidel Castro are from Nov. 15, when he received President Tran Dai Quang at his residence, and the last time he was seen at a public ceremony was during his 90th birthday celebrations at the Karl Marx Theater in Havana.