(VOVworld) – On Saturday, Cuban President Raul Castro arrived in Paris, France for the first-ever state visit of a Cuban president to France since 1995.

Cuba's President Raul Castro (Photo: AP)

President Castro’s visit marks a new step in the development of a stronger relationship between Cuba with powerful countries after its normalization of relations with the US last year. Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Rogelio Sierra expressed his hope that the visit will expand and diversify relations with France in various fields, including politics, economics, trade, finance, culture and cooperation. The two sides are expected to sign an economic road map plan to improve relations and enhance cooperation in transportation, tourism and trade.