UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Saturday extended condolences to the Cuban people and to the family of former President Fidel Castro Ruz – who passed away at the age of 90. “At this time of national mourning, I offer the support of the United Nations to work alongside the people of the island (Cuba),” Ban said while offering condolences to the Cuban President Raul Castro Ruz. Fidel Castro’s death: The world reacts Fidel Castro served as Cuba’s President from 1976 to 2008. Recalling his meeting with former president during a visit to Cuba in January 2014, the secretary-general said that the two had held a lively discussion that covered developments around the world, sustainable development and climate change. “Under Fidel Castro, Cuba made advances in the fields of education literacy and health. I hope that Cuba will continue to advance on a path of reform and greater prosperity,”the UN chief said.