Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo congratulate Raúl Castro on his 95th birthday

Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo have sent birthday greetings to former Cuban leader Raúl Castro as he turns 95. The couple, who lead Nicaragua, conveyed their felicitations in a message that emphasized their shared history of struggle and their aspirations for the Cuban people's peace, well-being, and right to life.

"Dear Raúl: Upon reaching 95 with all the strength of spirit to continue the battles for peace and the right to well-being and life of the Cuban people, we write to you thinking of all we have lived through together, all we have fought for together, and all we still have to do, to achieve, with the same courage, the same commitment, and the same responsibility, the fullness that the heroic families of Our America-Caribbean deserve," the message read.

“

Dear Raúl: Upon reaching 95 with all the strength of spirit to continue the battles for peace and the right to well-being and life of the Cuban people, we write to you thinking of all we have lived through together, all we have fought for together, and all we still have to do, to achieve, with the same courage, the same commitment, and the same responsibility, the fullness that the heroic families of Our America-Caribbean deserve.

The Nicaraguan leaders also expressed their "affection, admiration, and strength" to Castro, whom they referred to as a "companion, general, revolutionary leader," and noted the "permanent inspiration of Fidel (Castro's) soul." Castro, a former guerrilla fighter and long-serving Minister of the Armed Forces, remains a central figure in Cuba, despite retiring from formal positions.

Castro's 95th birthday occurs at a critical juncture for Cuba, which is facing its most severe economic, social, and energy crisis in over seven decades. The island is also under intense pressure from the United States, which has imposed sanctions and has not ruled out military intervention. Adding to the personal uncertainty, Castro has been criminally charged in the U.S. for the 1996 downing of two exile-owned planes, an accusation that has raised concerns about his potential extradition.

“

With the permanent inspiration of Fidel (Castro's) soul, which continues to illuminate the indispensable and undeniable paths, we tell you, Raúl, companion, general, revolutionary leader, our affection, our admiration, and our strength, always more.