Acting Russian President Vladimir Putin said in Moscow Wednesday that Moscow is opposed to any sanctions against Cuba, a Kremlin spokesman said.

Putin made the statement during a meeting with visiting Cuban Foreign Minister Felipe Perez, the Itar-Tass news agency reported, quoting Sergei Prikhodko, deputy chief of staff of the presidential administration.

Perez conveyed to Putin a personal message from Cuban leader Fidel Castro, who expressed his desire to develop ties with Russia.

The two also discussed Cuba's multi-billion US dollar debts to Russia, Prikhodko said without elaboration.

Perez also met his Russian counterpart, Igor Ivanov, Wednesday.

The two discussed a wide range of bilateral and international issues, Ivanov said, describing the meeting as another milestone in strengthening cooperation between the two countries.

He said the most difficult period has passed in their trade and economic relations and that Russian interest in the Cuban market continues to rise.

Russia and Cuba maintain close cooperation in international affairs and share common views on the establishment of a multi-polar world, Ivanov said, adding that only on the basis of equality and respect for national sovereignty can international problems be settled objectively.

Perez arrived here Tuesday on a two-day official visit. (Xinhua)