Castro visits Venezuela

Raul Castro began his first international trip as Cuba’s president in Venezuela, a symbolic choice of destination aimed at strengthening ties with the island’s socialist ally and main benefactor.

Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez has long been a close ally of Raul Castro’s iconic older brother Fidel, who in February ceded power to 77-year-old Raul because of illness.

“Welcome to your home,” Mr Chavez said as he hugged Mr Castro at the airport outside Caracas, where marines dressed in white uniforms stood in formation under a bright Caribbean sun. “Your

visit is an honour for us.” Castro delivered greetings from his older brother.