Putin Cuba tour to strengthen Russian influence in Latin America

"Reestablishing our position there reflects our economic interests and the national interests of Russia," Interfax news agency quoted him as telling Cuban and Russian journalists in Moscow. Many states in Latin America are receptive to active Russian foreign policy, he said on the eve of his departure to the Caribbean.

Putin described the socialist island state led by Fidel Castro as a "traditional, old and reliable partner" of Russia and the Soviet Union. Relations suffered a loss after the collapse of the "ideological foundations" of former ties ten years ago, Putin said, adding, "I don't think that was right".

Russian firms have since lost their place in Cuba to foreign competitors, although trade volumes have been increasing. The Russian leader also emphatically called for a swift removal of U.S. sanctions against the island. "We think the blockade of Cuba is in no way justified, not from the point of view of international law or expedience, not in terms of justice and the democratic principles of the world order."

(la/dpa)