Venezuelan Government Expresses Condolences to Cuba Over Death of Ramiro Valdés

The Venezuelan government extended its condolences to Cuba on Sunday following the death of Ramiro Valdés Menéndez, a prominent historical figure of the Cuban Revolution, who passed away in Havana at the age of 94. In a statement shared by Foreign Minister Yván Gil via Telegram, the Venezuelan Executive highlighted Valdés's extensive career and his integral role in the "foundational moments of the political and social life of his country."

"In this moment of mourning, we extend our solidarity to the Cuban people and Government, as well as to his family and friends," the statement concluded. Valdés held significant positions throughout his life, including serving as vice prime minister in recent years, where he oversaw socio-economic matters such as housing construction programs, material production, electricity generation, and industrial investments.

He was among the last remaining representatives of the "historic generation," the close circle that, led by Fidel Castro, seized power in 1959 and established a Soviet-style socialist system in Cuba. Valdés participated in key revolutionary events, including the assault on the Moncada barracks in 1953, the Granma yacht expedition in 1956, and the guerrilla invasion from east to west in 1958, where he served as second-in-command to Ernesto 'Che' Guevara.

Since the triumph of the revolution in 1959, Valdés held numerous important responsibilities, notably in organizing the security apparatus of the nascent government. He was instrumental in founding the Department of State Security (DSE) and the General Directorate of Intelligence (DGI), organizations tasked with monitoring, infiltrating, and repressing opposition and anti-communist elements within Cuba.