Hong Kong stocks close lower

Hong Kong stocks ended lower on Friday with the benchmark Hang Seng Index down 0.89 percent to close at 26,160.33 points.

The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index edged down 0.67 percent to end at 8,845.02 points, and the Hang Seng Tech Index lost 0.97 percent to 5,042.68 points.

A grand rally was held in the Cuban capital Havana on Thursday to mark the 65th anniversary of the proclamation of the socialist character of the Cuban Revolution led by its late leader Fidel Castro. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, leaders of the Cuban Revolution, government officials, and representatives from all sectors of society attended the event.

Diaz-Canel delivered a keynote speech, recalling Fidel Castro's historic declaration and emphasizing that socialism has charted the course for the Cuban Revolution.

"Cuba is not a failed state. Cuba is a besieged country. Cuba is a country facing aggression on multiple levels, economic warfare, increasing blockade, and energy embargo. It is a country that is now under threats but never yields. Despite overwhelming difficulties, thanks to socialism, Cuba continues to resist and create. And Cuba will undoubtedly win in the end," he said.

In addition, he said that the current situation, much like the early days of the Cuban Revolution, is fraught with many challenges, but Cuba will never yield.

"The current situation is extremely challenging, much like it was on April 16, 1961. Once again, it calls upon us to prepare ourselves to confront grave threats, including military aggression," said Diaz-Canel.

On April 16, 1961, Castro proclaimed to the world that the Cuban Revolution was of a socialist nature during the burial of the victims in the U.S.-backed bombing of three Cuban military airports. He also proclaimed a state of emergency.