Cuban President Raul Castro and his Irish counterpart, Michael Higgins, have expressed willingness to boost ties between their countries, according to a government release.

During the "cordial" meeting on Wednesday, they also exchanged views on international issues of interest, added the release.

Prior to the meeting with Castro, the Irish president laid a wreath to honor Cuban national hero Jose Marti, and toured the museum devoted to Marti's life and struggle for Cuban independence.

This is the first visit by an Irish leader.