'On behalf of the Cuban people and Government, we express our deepest condolences, which we also extend to the families of the victims,' said the message signed by Council of State Vice-President Salvador Valdes.

Also in the message, Cuba expressed its support for the authorities and people of Algeria due to the crash of a military plane that claimed 250 lives.

Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces Leopoldo Cintra and Deputy Foreign Minister Abelardo Moreno, as well as other Cuban officials, also signed the book of condolences.

The plane crashed days ago after taking off from the Boufarik air base, on the outskirts of Bechar city, in southeastern Algiers.