(14 Dec 2000) Spanish/Nat
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his host Cuban President Fidel Castro have signed a number of agreements in Havana, including ones on cooperation in legal affairs and health.
The two leaders sealed the signed accord with an amicable embrace, reconfirming their pledge for continued cooperation.
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.
Putin's visit is the first to Cuba by a Russian President since the collapse of the Soviet Union.
It entered its first full day on Thursday in Havana with a schedule of talks and an official ceremony.
Six documents were prepared for the trip, including agreements on cooperation in legal affairs and health.
Apparently not wanting to interrupt Putin's visit with a public statement on the new American president, Castro's government made no immediate comment on George W. Bush's victory late Wednesday night.
Meanwhile, the Russian leader's wife Lyudmila Putin enjoyed some Cuban food.
She told reporters she was enjoying her visit to Cuba and was impressed by Cuban knowledge of the Russian culture and language.
SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)
"No we are not frightened because we all have a great will to work towards the strengthening of the relationship and the development, as much as possible, of the economic relationship between the two countries on a practical basis and according to mutual benefit."
SUPER CAPTION: Fidel Castro, President of Cuba
SOUNDBITE: (Russian - not verbatim)
"In the past Russia has invested a lot here. And now the bill has reached billions of dollars. We have to decide what to do about this?"
SUPER CAPTION: Vladimir Putin, President of Russia
SOUNDBITE: (Russian - not verbatim)
"I've had a very good impression of Havana and Cuba. It is such a nice climate the people are so nice they know a lot about Russia and many speak Russian. So I have a very good impression."
SUPER CAPTION: Lyudmila Putin, Russian First Lady
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