Cuba's official Communist Party newspaper has published new pictures of ailing President Fidel Castro. The photos show Mr Castro in bed, smiling and shaking hands with the Venezuelan President, Hugo Chavez, on the Cuban leader's 80th birthday. | Wearing lovely matching red shirts |
It follows the publication on Sunday of the first photographs of President Castro since he underwent intestinal surgery two weeks ago. Mr Castro's brother, Raul, 75, who has temporarily taken over the president's duties, appears in one of the pictures. Granma called the bedside visit "Three Hours of Emotional Exchange". The photos show gifts being exchanged and the two leaders eating what Granma called a "frugal snack".
The accompanying story quoted Mr Chavez - one of Mr Castro's closest political allies - as saying: "This is the best visit I've ever had in my life." He is reported to have expressed admiration for the Cuban leader's stamina, saying: "What kind of human being is this? What material is it made of?" The Venezuelan leader is quoted as saying that Mr Castro is made of caguairan - likening Cuba's revolutionary leader to a sturdy tropical hardwood tree.
Earlier Raul Castro made his first public appearance since taking over, welcoming Mr Chavez to Havana.
On Sunday, Mr Castro also released a statement, saying his health had improved considerably but warning that his recovery would not be quick. "I ask you all to be optimistic and at the same time to be ready to face any adverse news," the statement said. He thanked Cubans for their loving support and said he "felt very happy" on his birthday.