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Chavez sees Fidel twice in surprise Cuba trip

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-02-22 13:48

HAVANA – Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has met twice with the 82-year-old Fidel Castro during a surprise 24-hour visit to Cuba.

Cuban President Raul Castro, left, greets Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez after his arrival at the Jose Marti airport in Havana, Friday, February 20, 2009. Chavez made a surprise visit to Cuba on Friday night where he was received in Havana by his Cuban counterpart Raul Castro. [Agencies]

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Cuban state media says Chavez arrived Friday night on a working visit and was greeted by Fidel's younger brother President Raul Castro.

The Venezuelan leader, fresh off a referendum win that allows him to run for re-election, met with Fidel Castro Friday night and again shortly before departing Saturday.

There were no images of Chavez meeting with Fidel Castro, only with his younger brother.

Fidel has not been seen in public since mid-2006 when he underwent intestinal surgery and ceded power to Raul.