Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Saturday sent a message of condolences to Raul Castro, president of the Council of State and the Council of Ministers of Cuba, over the death of Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro.

Fidel Castro died late Friday at the age of 90 in Cuba's capital city of Havana after leading the Caribbean country for nearly half a century before stepping down in 2006 for health reasons.

On behalf of the Chinese government and its people as well as in his own name, Li in the message extended his deepest condolences over the death of Comrade Fidel Castro and expressed the sincerest sympathy to the Cuban government, its people and Fidel Castro's family.

In the message, Li said Comrade Fidel Castro has dedicated his life to Cuba's national liberation and its development, hailing him as the founder, defender and propeller of China-Cuba ties.

He will be remembered by history for his outstanding contribution to the development of bilateral relations, Li added.

The Chinese government and people always cherish the friendship between the two countries, attaching great importance to the development of the bilateral ties, said Li.

China stands ready to make joint efforts with Cuba to inherit and carry forward the traditional friendship between the two countries, and to promote the continuous and profound development of the bilateral ties, so as to better benefit the two countries and two peoples, said Li.