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.
Ailing Cuban leader Fidel Castro has spoken by phone on a live television programme hosted by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.
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's weekly show was being broadcast from central Cuba.
Mr Chavez was in Havana for his weekly TV and radio show, marking the 40th anniversary of Che Guevara's death.
He is in the country to take part in ceremonies marking the 40th anniversary of the arrest and execution of revolutionary icon Ernesto Che Guevara.
Two photos of the meeting were issued by Cuba's Juventud Rebelde newspaper.
Mr Castro has not appeared in public since surgery forced him to cede power to his brother last year.
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."
During the programme, Mr Chavez showed a video of his meeting with the Cuban leader at the weekend.
Frail
In the tape, Mr Chavez is seen singing hymns to Mr Castro and calling him "father of all revolutionaries".
The Communist leader has not appeared in public since July last year when he underwent emergency intestinal surgery.
Mr Castro said he was moved by the tribute, and went on to praise Che Guevara as a "harvester of ideas".
In September he appeared on Cuban TV, ending rumours that he had died or suffered a major relapse.
After the tape was aired, Mr Chavez spoke to Mr Castro on the phone and told him: "Everyone is electrified to hear you."
President Castro was shown reading a book on Che Guevara
The programme was broadcast from Guevara mausoleum in the Cuban city of Santa Clara.
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.
In September Mr Castro appeared on Cuban TV, ending rumours that he had died or suffered a major relapse.
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.
