President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday assured Cuba of continued support following a successful election that saw Miguel Diaz-Canel take over from President Raul Castro following his resignation.

The Castro family has been at the helm of the country for almost 60 years.

In a statement from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Ramaphosa who has just returned from the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in London, congratulated the Cuban government and people on the successful conclusion of their election process.

Cuba’s election process, which takes place every five years, concluded with the nomination and voting for the Council of State in the National Assembly on 18 April and the announcement of its new President on 19 April.

Castro will remain a member of the National Assembly and the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba.