Havana, March 21 (RHC)-- President Raúl Castro held talks on Monday with his U.S. counterpart, President Barack Obama, who is on an official visit here –the first by an acting U.S. president to Cuba over the past 88 years.

The closed-door meeting between Raúl and Obama took place after the official welcoming ceremony.

After the talks, the two leader are scheduled to offer statements to the accredited press.

Prior to his meeting with President Raúl, Obama paid tribute to Cuban national hero José Martí at the mausoleum built in Martí's honor at Havana's Revolution Square.

Also on Monday, the U.S. president is scheduled to attend a business forum with the participation of Cuban and U.S. entrepreneurs.