Tuesday, 15 May, 2001, 15:04 GMT 16:04 UK.
BBC News Online
The Cuban President, Fidel Castro, has arrived in Syria for a surprise
two-day visit on the latest stage of his tour of Arab and Asian countries.
Mr Castro was welcomed by the Syrian President, Bashar al-Assad, after
arriving from Qatar; his visit has been given great prominence in Syrian
newspapers.
Mr Castro's tour - which has also taken him to Algeria, Iran and Malaysia -
has been aimed at strengthening ties with old and new allies.
It has also been motivated by Cuba's need for new sources of cheaper energy.
During the tour, he has also taken the opportunity to speak out against the
United States embargo against Cuba and the effects of economic globalisation.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service | 