Nikolai Leonov, a great friend of Cuba, dies in Moscow

Havana, April 27 (RHC)-- Cuban media informed on Wednesday of the death in Moscow of Nikolai Sergeyevich Leonov at the age of 93 due to health problems associated with his advanced age.

Leonov was a Doctor in Historical Sciences and a full professor at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations. He was well known in the Caribbean island for his valuable research work, reflected in numerous books and articles, including a political biography of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro.

Among his most recent works is Raúl Castro, Un hombre en Revolución (Raúl Castro, a Man in Revolution), well known by the island´s people.

As fate would have it, seven decades ago, this young Soviet met Raul Castro by chance when they both coincided on board the ship where Raul was returning to his homeland after participating in a progressive youth event. Leonov was on his way to Mexico to improve his command of the Spanish language. Since then, his love for Cuba grew.

In recognition of his unwavering solidarity and extraordinary merits, Cuba awarded him the Ernesto Che Guevara, first degree, and Playa Girón orders.