Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said on Sunday that Cuban leader Fidel Castro is recovering well and quickly following surgery to treat gastrointestinal bleeding.

"How are you, Fidel?" Chavez said on his regular national broadcast which he believed the Cuban leader was watching. "We have reliable information of your quick and notable recuperation."

In his "Hello President" show, Chavez said that Castro was able to leave his bed and talk.

"A hug for you, my friend and comrade, and I know you are getting better," Chavez said.

Talking by phone with his Bolivian counterpart Evo Morales during the program, Chavez said Castro was already getting out of bed and talking more than he should.

Castro became ill after visiting Argentina last month and handed power temporarily last Monday to his Defense Minister Raul Castro.

Source: Xinhua