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10/18/11 (AEIN) Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has arrived in neighboring Cuba for the latest of several visits to the island this year. He was welcomed by Cuban President Raul Castro at the Jose Marti International Airport, state radio reported late Monday.
Other high-ranking officials accompanied the Venezuelan leader. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez was also present at the airport. Hugo Chavez will receive additional cancer treatment while in Cuba. He originally fell ill earlier this year when traveling abroad.
Venezuela and Cuba maintain close ties and conduct a wide range of trade. In recent months, both have strongly opposed the NATO military intervention in Libya. Meanwhile, Chavez has delegated some duties to other officials while he undergoes cancer treatment.
The Venezuelan President often meets with former Cuban President Fidel Castro while visiting the island. Castro has also experienced a decline in health during recent years, but continues to write newspaper commentaries on various issues.