(VOVworld) – French President Francois Hollande called on the US to lift the economic embargo against Cuba while receiving Cuban president Raul Castro in Paris on Monday. Speaking at a joint press briefing following talks, President Hollande voiced his strong support for Cuba, calling on President Obama to end the economic embargo imposed on Havana since 1962. Castro hailed France’s support for lifting the US embargo against Cuba.

French President Francois Hollande and Cuban President Raul Castro upon his arrival on February 1, 2016 at the Elysee Presidential Palace in Paris (AFP Photo/Stephane de Sakutin)

A dozen bilateral agreements are expected to be signed during Castro's visit, including one regarding Cuba's remaining debt to France, which amounts to 390 million USD. The agreement which was signed last Monday, stated that Paris agrees to convert 212 million euros into a fund that will finance the two government's projects on the island.