Russia's President Vladimir Putin, left, and Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez attend a wreath-laying ceremony at the Jose Marti monument in Havana. Putin began a Latin American tour aimed at boosting trade and ties in the region.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is continuing a Latin American tour aimed at building Russia's influence and investments in the region.
He's in Argentina Saturday for a meeting with President Cristina Fernandez, who has been out of the public eye for a week due to an acute throat infection. On Sunday he heads to Brazil for a summit of BRICS country leaders.
Argentine gay rights activists are protesting the visit, calling for a demonstration outside the presidential palace.
Russia does not recognize gay marriages or civil unions, and openly gay and lesbian Russians say they've been targeted by vigilantes. Putin last year approved a law banning what the government calls gay "propaganda" from reaching minors.
Argentina is the first country in Latin America to legalize gay marriage.