(VOVworld) - French President Francois Hollande called Monday for an end to the US embargo on Cuba, as he met with Fidel Castro during the first visit by a Western leader since Washington and Havana moved to restore ties. While visiting Havava University on Monday,  Hollande said France would do whatever possible to see that "the measures that have so badly harmed Cuba's development can finally be lifted".

French President Francois Hollande (R) and Cuban President Raul Castro review an honor guard at the Revolution Palace in Havana on May 11, 2015 (AFP Photo/Alain Jocard)

He added that France has always voted in support of a resolution demanding the US remove embargos against Cuba at the UN Security Council. He said France "will be a faithful ally" as Cuba reforms its centrally planned economy and tries to re-enter the global economic system. He voiced his hope to resume and boost multifaceted ties between Havana and Paris.

Hollande also met with former Cuban President Fidel Castro at his private residence in Havana.