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CARACAS, Venezuela — Raul Castro began his first international trip as Cuba’s president in Venezuela on Saturday, a symbolic choice of destination aimed at strengthening ties with the island’s socialist ally and main benefactor.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has long been a close ally of Raul Castro’s iconic older brother — Fidel Castro — who in February ceded power to the 77-year-old Raul because of illness. Chavez’s support for Cuba’s communist government and his fierce criticism of U.S. policy have irritated officials in Washington.
