Havana - Cuban President Raul Castro received Argentina President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner in the first such meeting between the heads of state of both countries since 1986. The four-star general accorded Fernandez military honours in the Palace of the Revolution before the two witnessed the signing of several cooperation agreements on science, technology, energy and food.

Fernandez visited the Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Centre outside Havana which produced vaccines, some of which are sold in Argentina.

She planned to meet with National Assembly President Ricardo Alarcon, address a conference in the University of Havana, and participate in a seminar with businessmen from both countries.

But Fernandez was not expected to meet with dissident doctor Hilda Molina, who had requested her help to convince Cuban authorities to allow her to visit her family in Buenos Aires.

She was also not expected to meet with political dissidents nor with ailing former president Fidel Castro.

Fernandez scheduled a visit with Argentines studying at the Latin American School of Medicine Wednesday, before departing for Venezuela to meet with President Hugo Chavez. (dpa)