HAVANA/MOSCOW ¨C Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev kicked off an official two-day visit to Cuba on Thursday in a strong show of Russia¡¯s support for the communist-run island as it faces escalating pressure from the United States and resulting fuel shortages.
Medvedev laid a wreath of flowers at the memorial to independence hero Jose Marti on Havana¡¯s Revolution Square before meeting with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel and starting official talks. He was due to make a statement to the media later on Thursday.
The former Soviet Union was Cuba¡¯s main backer for decades and Moscow has sought to renew its commercial, military and political ties with the island in recent years. The effort is part of Russia¡¯s broader strategy to expand its presence in Latin America as a counterweight to China and the United States.
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