Fidel Castro and Hugo Chavez, another Warm Encounter

The Cuban television aired images of Hugo Chavez? visit to Cuba and
details of the meeting of both leaders, during the Round Table program,
which is also broadcast on Cuban radio.

During the meeting, Chavez congratulated Fidel Castro for his health
improvement after having undergone surgery. Both leaders addressed
bilateral relations between Cuba and Venezuela, the advancement of the
Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (ALBA) and the current situation
of Latin America and the rest of the world.

The Venezuelan president brought Fidel Castro the friendly message of
his people and "the hug of all those who wish you well."

Fidel said that the climatic change occurring on the planet also has an
impact on the health of the people and he reminded Hugo Chavez that he
had warned about the danger posed by wastes and their impact on the
survival of the human race.

Chavez also brought special greetings from Brazilian architect Oscar
Niemeyer, who is recovering from a fall. Later, the Venezuelan president
told the press about some aspects of his conversation with Fidel Castro,
which also included the advancement of the Energy Revolution; he
stressed that he found the Cuban Revolution Leader with high spirit,
clear thinking and with a good humor.

"There is Fidel, standing, in one piece, and I pray God for his
continuous recovery", said Chavez and noted that he was leaving Cuba
satisfied and happy after having observed the gradual recovery of the
Cuban Revolution Leader. Hugo Chavez also recognized the work of all
those who care for Fidel
Castro?s health, including his relatives and he noted that "we will also
win this battle of health." The Venezuelan President returned to his
country on Tuesday and he was seen off by Cuba?s First Vice President
Raul Castro Ruz, who thanked Chavez for his solidarity and friendly
gesture.