Saint John's, December 7 (RHC)-- President Raúl Castro arrived in Antigua & Barbuda Thursday for an official visit that includes his participation in the 6th Summit of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Cuba, set for Friday.

President Raúl Castro was welcomed at the airport in St. John's by the Prime Minister of Antigua, Gaston Browne.

During his stay, the Cuban head of state will also attend a special assembly of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

Writing on his twitter account, Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Rogelio Sierra highlighted the strong, mutually beneficial relations between the Caribbean Community and Cuba, based on profound friendship and solidarity bonds.

"Cuba is profoundly grateful to our Caribbean brothers and sisters for their unwavering support for and solidarity with our people against the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States of America against our country,” Sierra wrote.

The 6th CARICOM-Cuba Summit takes place in a particularly complex scenario marked by the devastation caused to Antigua & Barbuda by two powerful hurricanes, Irma and María.