Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez Frias received a warm welcome in Santiago de Cuba on Saturday, led by Army Gen. Raul Castro Ruz, First Vice President of the Councils of State and Ministers of Cuba.

Also welcoming him at Antonio Maceo International Airport were Vice President of the Council of State Carlos Lage and Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque, as well as other local party and government leaders and a representation of all sectors of society.

Pioneers, workers, combatants of the Revolution and people in general enthusiastically gathered in Santiago"s main streets to salute the Venezuelan leader and his entourage, National News Agency (AIN) reported.

This is Chavez" first visit to this eastern city, where he is expected to tour places of historical, social interest and sign new collaboration agreements as part of the Bolivarian Initiative for the Americas (ALBA).

(PL)