July 26 (Bloomberg) -- Cuba's Raul Castro, who assumed control of the country after his brother, President Fidel Castro, underwent intestinal surgery last July, said he's willing to meet the next U.S. president.

Raul Castro said that to foster a dialogue, the next U.S. president would have to change the country's policies toward Cuba.

``If they are willing have a civilized conversation, it would be welcome,'' Raul Castro said in a televised speech at a ceremony in Camaguey, Cuba, to celebrate the country's National Revolution Day. ``If not, we're ready to face their hostile policies for another 50 years.''

Fidel Castro's absence at the event, a commemoration of the opening attack of the Cuban Revolution where he made his last public appearance a year ago, underscores the growing doubt he will ever return to office. The president, 80, has only communicated through recorded television remarks and essays in Havana newspaper Granma since he stepped aside.

U.S. democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama said July 23 he would be willing to talk to Cuba, while democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton said she would want to ensure that any meeting between the two countries wouldn't be used for propaganda.

In today's speech Raul Castro accused the U.S. of encouraging illegal immigration and putting Cubans at risk by failing to issue enough visas. He also blamed U.S. policies encouraging ethanol production for higher prices on food imports.

``We have to produce more, so that we can reduce imports of foods,'' he said. ``Domestic production is far from satisfying demand.''

To contact the reporters on this story: Matthew Walter in Caracas at mwalter4@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: July 26, 2007 11:24 EDT