Russian President Vladimir Putin Visits Cuba Friday July 11,2014

Russian President Vladimir Putin dropped in on one of Russia's old Cold War allies on Friday July 11,2014, as he began a 6-day tour of Latin American with a state visit to Cuba. 

Russia's president Vladimir Putin embraces Cuba's leader Raul Castro,who took over leadership in 2008

In Cuba, Castro and Putin strengthened their ties, using the official tour to sign about a dozen accords in energy, industry, health and disaster prevention.

Shortly before the visit, Moscow wrote off more than $35 billion of Cuba's Soviet-era debt.

Speaking about the debt agreement, which clears 90 percent of what Cuba owes, Raul Castro said it was 'another great, tangible generosity of the Russian people toward Cuba.'

In a further sign of Putin turning his back on the West, the Cuban government website announced that Russian companies are to take part in petroleum projects around Boca de Jaruco on Cuba's north coast, and that cooperation will extend to offshore oil deposits.

The tour included a rare public appearance with the country's revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, who has been seen in public since the start of the year. 

Putin and the 87-year-old leader met to discuss international relations and the economy, as Moscow sought to strengthen ties with its old friend

After leaving Havana, Putin is due to travel to Argentina, whose President has accused the U.S. and Britain of having double standards
From Argentina, Putin will travel to Brazil, which was among several countries that opposed Russia being excluded from the G20 summit in Australia
Putin is to be in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday July 13,2014 for the FIFA World Cup final between Germany and Argentina and ceremonial handover of host duties for soccer's marquee tournament, which next takes place in Russia in 2018.