Raul Castro visits Venezuela

CARACAS, Venezuela, Dec. 13 (UPI) -- Cuban President Raul Castro is visiting Venezuela in his first overseas trip as president.

Castro, who took over the presidency from his brother Fidel this year, is meeting socialist Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, a key ally of the Communist-run island state, BBC reported Saturday.

Castro was to visit the tomb of Venezuelan independence hero Simon Bolivar and sign bilateral trade deals.

Chavez described Castro as one of the heroes of Cuba's revolution. He said Castro's trip carries "the same importance" as Fidel Castro's first international visit -- also to Venezuela -- after claiming victory in 1959, the British news network reported.

"We give you the most fervent welcome," Chavez said. "You (are) one of the men behind the great Cuban revolution. Your visit is an honor for us, Raul. We receive you, and with you, Fidel Castro and the Cuban people."