Castro manages 'four-hour talks'

Cuba's ailing leader Fidel Castro has held more than four hours of talks with his Venezuelan counterpart Hugo Chavez, Cuban state television has reported.

The two men, who have met regularly since Mr Castro fell ill last year, discussed world problems and bilateral relations, the reports said

Mr Chavez was in Havana for his weekly TV and radio show, marking the 40th anniversary of Che Guevara's death.

Two photos of the meeting were issued by Cuba's Juventud Rebelde newspaper.

The official report, read during Saturday's evening newscast, said the two leaders focused "on the history of our two peoples, the solid and growing relations between Cuba and Venezuela, the situation in Latin America and the serious problems faced by humanity."

Frail

The Communist leader has not appeared in public since July last year when he underwent emergency intestinal surgery.

In September he appeared on Cuban TV, ending rumours that he had died or suffered a major relapse.

President Castro was shown reading a book on Che Guevara

Mr Chavez's visit to Havana comes as Cuba's government marks the 40th anniversary of the death of revolutionary global icon Ernesto Che Guevara.

The Venezuelan leader also plans to meet Raul Castro, who officially took over from his brother on 31 July 2006.

Mr Chavez is due to broadcast his weekly Sunday radio and television programme from the central provincial capital of Santa Clara.