Hu, Fidel Castro have 'long conversation'

(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-11-20 07:20

President Hu Jintao and ailing Cuban leader Fidel Castro held "a long conversation in a sincere and friendly atmosphere", the Xinhua News Agency reported.

The 82-year-old Castro has not been seen in public since July 2006, after which his younger brother Raul was named president.

Chinese President meets with former Cuban leader Fidel Castro in Havana, Cuba November 18, 2008. [Xinhua] more photos

Official photos released from their meeting show a thinner-looking Fidel, dressed in a red and black tracksuit, clasping Hu's hands with both of his hands.

"I see in person that you have recovered and are energetic, so I feel very pleased," Hu told Castro.

Castro replied: "We are old friends. I am happy to see that you are as energetic as when I met you last time."

During their conversation, Hu noted that Castro ordered a medical team sent to China after the devastating May 12 earthquake in Sichuan province.

Castro also made repeated phone calls to offer instructions on the team's work in China, Hu added.

Hu, on his second visit to Cuba as president, met earlier with Raul Castro.

The two countries have signed dozens of trade and investment deals during his trip, the third stop on a five-nation tour.

Agencies