Havana, Febrary 14 (RHC) -- Cuban President Raul Castro held official talks with the visiting Defense Minister of the Russian Federation, Serguei Shoigu.

During the meeting Friday afternoon, the dignitaries talked about the historic links uniting both nations and advocated the strengthening of cooperation in all areas.

Earlier, the Russian Defense Minister paid tribute to Cuban independence hero Antonio Maceo at the monument in his memory at Cacahual, just outside of the Cuban capital, Havana.

Shoigu then held a meeting with General Leopoldo Cintra Frias, Cuba's Deputy Minister of Defense. The agenda of the Russian Defense Minister and his accompanying delegation includes visits to places of military and cultural interest.