Cuban President Fidel Castro arrived Tuesday in Puerto La Cruz, eastern Anzoátegui state, to take part in a meeting of presidents and heads of State on Petrocaribe, an initiative proposed by the Venezuelan government to foster energy integration in the region.

Castro was welcomed by President Hugo Chávez and Information and Communication Minister Andrés Izarra, who had earlier denied the Cuban leader's visit to Venezuela. Izarra even lashed out at the media for spreading reports that Castro would take part in the meeting.

When asked about his expectations regarding the summit, Castro replied: "This is a historical event."

Chávez explained that on Sunday he said Castro would not attend the meeting because that is the information he had.

"For me, Venezuela is first; I mean, fighting for the Caribbean, for the peoples of America," said the Cuban President, who explained that he decided to go to Venezuela as he considers that this energy summit is very important.