China has lost a 'great' friend

Mourners place flowers outside the Cuban embassy in Beijing on Sunday. LIU XU / CHINA NEWS SERVICE

"Comrade Fidel Castro is a great figure of our times and will be remembered by history and the people."

President Xi Jinping in a message of condolence sent to Cuban leader Raul Castro

"President Fidel Castro will be remembered for his leadership of the Cuban revolution and for advances in Cuba in the fields of education, literacy and health. His revolutionary ideals left few indifferent. He was a strong voice for social justice in global discussions at the UN General Assembly and international and regional forums."

Statement from spokesman for United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

"The name of this remarkable statesman is rightfully viewed as a symbol of a whole era in modern history. A free and independent Cuba built by him and his fellow revolutionaries has become an influential member of the international community and serves as an inspiring example for many countries and peoples."

Russian President Vladimir Putin in a message of condolence sent to Cuban leader Raul Castro

"Today, we offer condolences to Fidel Castro's family, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Cuban people."

United States President Barack Obama in a statement