Raul Castro (December 2006)Cuban President Raul Castro is in Angola, his second visit to the southern African nation this year.

Angolan officials say the visit is intended to further strengthen cooperation between the two allies, and will include a meeting between Mr. Castro and his Angolan counterpart Jose Eduardo dos Santos.

Angolan media said the two leaders are not likely to sign any new deals, and will focus instead on implementing existing agreements.

President Castro last visited Angola in February.

Angola and Cuba have had a close relationship since the mid-1970s when Angola gained independence from Portugal.

Cuba sent thousands of troops to assist the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola, which eventually became the country's ruling party.

Hundreds of Cuban doctors, teachers and medical staff still work in Angola.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP.