In a scene out of the Cold War, Cuban President Raul Castro and ailing brother Fidel met with the current leader of the communist island's longtime economic benefactor, the state press reported Saturday. During a daylong visit on Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his counterpart signed a slew of agreements expanding cooperation between the two countries. Putin also visited with Fidel Castro at his home outside Havana. Pictures released in Cuban state media showed the men standing and a smiling, with Putin placing his hand on Castro's arm. Castro was sidelined in 2006 by a mystery gastrointestinal illness and no longer holds official duties, but he still regularly greets visiting heads of state.
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Russian President meets Raul and Fidel Castro during a visit to Cuba
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Putin and counterpart sign deals expanding cooperation between the two countries
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Russian officials agreed to forgive 90% of the more than $30 billion Cuba still owed
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Cuba and the former Soviet Union enjoyed one of the firmest Cold War alliances
The loss of supplies from oil-rich Russia along with the end of favorable trade and aid that once propped up @placeholder's ailing economy plunged Cuba into an severe economic crisis.
The loss of supplies from oil-rich Russia along with the end of favorable trade and aid that once propped up Cuba's ailing economy plunged @placeholder into an severe economic crisis.