PARIS, Rabi'II 22, 1437, Feb 1, 2016, SPA -- Cuban President Raul Castro is paying a state visit to France, in the first European foray by a Cuban leader in two decades, as Cuba opens up its economy, AP reported. The trip comes after a breakthrough deal was reached in Paris in December lightening Cuba's foreign debt. Castro is receiving a formal welcome at the Arc de Triomphe monument Monday and will attend a state dinner with French President Francois Hollande. --SPA 12:19 LOCAL TIME 09:19 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w