Russian president signs deals with Cuba

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev Friday signed mining and oil exploration deals with Cuban leader Raul Castro, Granma reported online.

In addition to the deals, Medvedev said he and Castro discussed what he called "military technical cooperation," a possible euphemism for arm sales to the communist island.

Medvedev is wrapping up a four-nation tour of the region that also took him to Brazil, Peru and Venezuela, where Russian and Venezuela military exercises are scheduled for next week.

The Russian leader's visit to Latin America is seen by some as a response to the U.S. intentions to build a missile defense shield in former Soviet satellite nations such as Poland. Leaders in Moscow have roundly condemned the move.