Chavez to visit Cuba on the way to China, Russia

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said on Friday that he would visit hurricane-ravaged Cuba this weekend before leaving on a trip to China and Russia. Chavez said that he was invited by close friend Fidel Castro and his brother Raul, Cuba's current president. He said in a speech Friday that Cuba can "count on" Venezuela for help after Hurricanes Gustav and Ike recently did an estimated US$5 billion in damage. He did not give details. Chavez departs next week for Russia and China. The Venezuelan leader has pledged greater cooperation with Moscow on oil production and weapons.