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France welcomes Castro for historic state visit

President Hollande said the Paris visit by Cuban president Raul Castro marked 'new stage' in strengthening of ties between the two countries.

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Cuban President Raul Castro, in Paris since Saturday, began his official state visit Monday, reports Voice of America.

French energy minister Ségolène Royal welcomed the Cuban leader at the Arch de Triomphe.

French President François Hollande will later host the 84-year-old Castro at a state dinner at the Elysée Palace.

Hollande was the first European leader to visit Cuba after the island restored diplomatic relations with longtime foe, the United States.

Hollande said the Cuban president's visit to France is "a new stage in the strengthening of relations between the two countries."

Read more of this report from Voice of America.