CUBA: RUSSIAN PRESIDENT PUTIN VISIT

(14 Dec 2000) Natural Sound The first visit to Cuba by a Russian President since the collapse of the Soviet Union entered its first full day on Thursday in Havana with a schedule of talks and official ceremony. Putin arrived in Havana late on Wednesday for a two-day state visit aimed at reviving historic ties between the two former Cold War allies. On Thursday, he joined President Fidel Castro in saluting the Cuban flag in Revolution Palace. Putin, in a dark suit and tie, and Castro, in his customary olive green uniform and cap, then stood to attention as a Cuban military band played the national anthems of both countries outside the Palace of the Revolution. Both leaders then paused for an official photo. The two presidents appeared to be chatting amiably through an interpreter. After greeting a Russian delegation and members of Cuba’s top leadership, the two presidents held formal talks inside the palace and signed a series of accords.