As reported by thelocal, Cuba's Communist President Raul Castro will be welcomed under the Arc de Triomphe in Paris during a rare state visit Mondayto showcase his island's warming ties with big world powers.

The Cuban leader arrived in Paris on Saturday, two days ahead of the start of the official programme, sources at Orly airport south of Paris said.

Castro's visit is an indication of his island's improved ties with major powers following last year's restoration of relations with longtime foe, the United States.

On the back of that reapprochement the 84-year-old leader is now paying court to France, one of his most powerful European allies.

French officials said when the visit was announced January 19 that it would mark "a new stage in the strengthening of relations between the two countries" following on from President Francois Hollande's own state visit to Cuba last May, the first by a western head of state in more than half a centrury.

bbabo.Net