World leaders pay tribute to Fidel Castro

World leaders have paid tribute to Fidel Castro who has died at the age of 90.

President Michael D Higgins says the controversial figure will be remembered as a giant among global leaders.

"Following the revolution in 1959, Fidel Castro brought significant political and social change to his country, overcoming not just the regime of General Fulgencio Batista but also the economic isolation forced upon Cuba in the years that followed.

"Having survived some 600 attempts on his life, Fidel Castro, known to his peers in Cuba as 'El Comandante', became one of the longest serving Heads of State in the world, guiding the country through a remarkable process of social and political change, advocating a development path that was unique and determinedly independent.

"Cuba achieved 100% literacy many years ago and built up a health system that is one the most admired in the world. With economic growth rates similar to many other Latin American countries, inequality and poverty are much less pronounced in Cuba than in surrounding nations."

Mr Castro ruled Cuba for five decades, before standing down in February 2008.

His brother and the country's current leader, Raul Castro, says the socialist revolutionary passed away in Havanna overnight.

In March, Barack Obama became the first U.S President to visit Cuba for almost a century and the first since Mr Castro took power.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: "Fidel Castro was one of the most iconic personalities of the 20th century. India mourns the loss of a great friend. I extend my deepest condolences to the Government and people of Cuba on the sad demise of Fidel Castro. May his soul rest in peace."

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto said: "Fidel Castro was a friend of Mexico, promoter of a bilateral relationship based on respect, dialogue and solidarity."

Salvador Sanchez Ceren, President of El Salvador, tweeted: "With deep sorrow we received news of the death of my dear friend and eternal companion, Commander Fidel Castro Ruz."