Related readings: Castro sends New Year's message to Cubans "Concerning my recovery I always said it would be a long process, but it's far from being a lost battle," said Castro's message, which was read out on state-run radio stations. Doctor: Castro is cancer free, recovering US lawmakers told Castro not dying Castro calls provincial assembly, breaks rumor Castro's no-show raises doubts on return

In their conversation, Castro conveyed his special New Year's greetings to Chinese President Hu Jintao and the Chinese people through Ambassador Zhao.

Entrusted by Chinese President Hu Jintao, Zhao conveyed Hu's sincere New Year's greetings to Castro and the Cuban people and wished Castro a speedy recovery.

The two sides also exchanged views on the further development of relations of the two countries.