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Russia's Vladimir Putin begins Americas visit in Cuba Russia's Vladimir Putin begins Americas visit in Cuba
(about 7 hours later)
Russian President Vladimir Putin has begun a trip to Latin America, in an apparent bid to seek allies to counter US and Western influence. Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting Latin America in an apparent bid to seek allies to counter US and Western influence.
His choice of first stop, Cuba, is seen as an attempt to further boost friendly ties with the one-time Soviet ally. In Cuba, the first stop of his tour, he met leader Raul Castro, and his predecessor and brother Fidel Castro.
Russia confirmed cancellation of 90% of Cuba's debt two days before the visit.Russia confirmed cancellation of 90% of Cuba's debt two days before the visit.
Mr Putin will also travel to Argentina and Brazil, where he will attend the football World Cup final on Sunday as leader of the next host nation.Mr Putin will also travel to Argentina and Brazil, where he will attend the football World Cup final on Sunday as leader of the next host nation.
Later he will attend a summit of the Brics emerging economies - also including India, China and South Africa - in the Brazilian city of Fortaleza.Later he will attend a summit of the Brics emerging economies - also including India, China and South Africa - in the Brazilian city of Fortaleza.
In an interview on the eve of the trip, the Russian president said Brazil was one of a group of emerging countries who should play a greater role on the world stage. 'Grateful for support'
"This powerful and fast-developing country is destined to play an important role in the emerging polycentric world order," he said, adding that Russia would back Brazil's bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. "Today, co-operation with Latin American states is one of the key and promising lines of Russia's foreign policy," Mr Putin told Cuban state media.
"We are grateful to South Americans for the support of our international initiatives," Mr Putin added.
Analysts say Mr Putin is trying to encourage Latin American countries to challenge Western dominance in the world at a time when Russia is isolated by sanctions over Ukraine and relations with the West are at their lowest since the Cold War.Analysts say Mr Putin is trying to encourage Latin American countries to challenge Western dominance in the world at a time when Russia is isolated by sanctions over Ukraine and relations with the West are at their lowest since the Cold War.
Debt cancellation Mr Putin and Raul Castro visited a cemetery in the Cuban capital, Havana, to commemorate Soviet soldiers.
In Cuba, Mr Putin is expected to meet President Raul Castro and his predecessor and brother Fidel. He later met Fidel Castro, who led Cuba for nearly half a century before handing over power to his brother, Raul, in 2006 because of ill health.
They will be expected to discuss the progress of an agreement signed last year which cancels 90% of Cuba's $35.2bn Soviet-era debt to Russia and channels the remaining 10% into joint investment projects in the country. Russian media said they discussed international relations and Russian-Cuban ties.
'Emerging world order'
Mr Putin was also expected to discuss the progress of an agreement signed last year which cancels 90% of Cuba's $35.2bn Soviet-era debt to Russia and channels the remaining 10% into joint investment projects in the country.
The deal was ratified by the upper house of the Russian parliament on Wednesday.The deal was ratified by the upper house of the Russian parliament on Wednesday.
Relations between Cuba and Russia declined after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 but have improved in recent years.Relations between Cuba and Russia declined after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 but have improved in recent years.
Russia is involved in oil exploration offshore and began drilling a development well last year.Russia is involved in oil exploration offshore and began drilling a development well last year.
Mr Putin said Russian companies were interested in investing in reinforced plastic products, car parts and heavy equipment for the railway industry.Mr Putin said Russian companies were interested in investing in reinforced plastic products, car parts and heavy equipment for the railway industry.
Mr Putin is expected in Argentina on Saturday, before attending the World Cup final in Brazil on Sunday. Russia will host the 2018 tournament.
In an interview on the eve of his trip, the Russian president said Brazil was one of a group of emerging countries which should play a greater role on the world stage.
"This powerful and fast-developing country is destined to play an important role in the emerging polycentric world order," he said, adding that Russia would back Brazil's bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.