Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has cemented cooperation with Cuba by signing energy, farming and finance accords.

Part of the deal includes a deal to expand of Cuba’s oil refineries.

The Venezuelan leader, a strident foe of Washington, is Havana's closest ally and his petroleum deals have helped Cuba stay afloat in times of great economic hardship.

Buoyed by high crude prices, Chavez has used his country's oil wealth to try to build alliances in his region to counter United States influence.

Chavez attended the signing ceremony in Santiago de Cuba with Raul Castro, who has governed Cuba since his brother, Fidel Castro, handed over power after surgery.