Putin meets with Raul Castro, hails Russian-Cuban ties

Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed on Thursday the way Russian-Cuban relations develop and said he was glad to welcome Cuban President Raul Castro in Moscow.

"I look back with pleasure at my latest trip to Cuba, where we were welcomed so warmly," he said.

Putin said  the meeting with the Cuban leader these days marked 55 years since the two countries established diplomatic relations.

The Cuban leader thanked his Russian counterpart for the invitation to visit Moscow as it marks the 70 anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany.

"I could not have missed this event," he said, noting that Cuba also marked the date with remembrance events.

Speaking with the Russian leader, Castro referred to him as "dear friend Putin".