Vietnam will hold a national day of mourning for Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro on December 4.

Vietnamese institutions, as well as the country’s agencies in foreign nations are required to hang flags at half mast, and wear mourning bands on the day.

According to an official statement, public entertainment activities will also be restricted.

Both the Vietnamese President, National Assembly and various government committees have agreed on the national day of mourning, to express their gratitude to the late Cuban leader.

Vietnam and Cuba first established diplomatic ties in 1960.

Fidel Castro visited Vietnam officially three times: first in 1973, over 20 years later in 1995, and most recently in 2003.

Castro led Cuba for 49 years after the 1959 revolution.

He passed away at the age of 90 late last week.

– TiVi Tuan-san