Picture shows Raul Castro(R) and his brother Fidel Castro. (Xinhua File Photo)

Cuban army general Raul Castro was elected on Sunday as president of Cuba during a legislative session held at Cuba's Palace of Conventions in the nation's capital Havana.

In his speech, Raul vowed to be on guard against US "meddling" as he took power from his brother Fidel Castro.

"We have taken note of the offensive and openly meddling declarations by the empire and some of its closest allies," the new Cuban leader said.