Castro welcomed in historic visit to Paris

Cuban President Raul Castro began his official trip to Paris on Monday, his first state visit to Europe, seen as a key step in rebuilding his island nation's ties with the West.

The Cuban leader was welcomed under the Arc de Triomphe, decked out in Cuban colors, at the top of the Champs Elysees avenue.

The 84-year-old Castro is on his first official trip to the European Union since taking over from his elder brother Fidel in 2006, and has been in the French capital since Saturday for a private visit.