Fidel Castro sent to Siberia

A new level of economic and academic co-operation is expected between Russia and Cuba following the visit by Fidel Castro Diaz-Balart, eldest son of Fidel Castro, born in 1949.

The 88 year old ex-president is 'following what we are doing in the country', said Fidel Castro junior.

Cuban Ambassador to Russia Emilio Garcia Lozada answering a question from Novosiribsk Mayor Anatoly Lokot said the former leader was 'very well'.

Fidel Castro Diaz-Balart, scientific advisor of the State Council of Cuba, proposed moves for closer relations between Havana and Novosibirsk. The sides will consider making a sister-city agreement, along with organizing festivals aimed at promoting cultural ties.

The Cubans showed particular interest in the Novosibirsk Scientific Centre.

Novosibirsk governor Vladimir Gorodetsky said: 'New opportunities and cooperation with other countries in the important spheres is always a priority for us in the implementation of foreign economic policy. 

'We will analyse the promising areas of cooperation with the Republic of Cuba, especially in the fields of intellectual cooperation.'