Cuban state TV on Tuesday night showed pictures of former Cuban leader Fidel Castro chatting with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who was recovering from a surgery in Havana.

Photo provided by Cuba Debate shows former Cuban leader Fidel Castro (L) reading a newspaper with the president of Venezuela Hugo Chavez, who is recovering from surgery in a hospital in Havana, capital of Cuba, June 28, 2011. (Xinhua/CUBADEBATE) 
Castro had a "fraternal" meeting Tuesday morning with Chavez and his family members, and they "recalled moments of previous meetings," the official NNTV said.

The two leaders, both in sport suits, talked in a living room, and walked outside in an open area, according to the pictures aired by the state TV.

This is the first public appearance since Chavez reportedly underwent a surgery on pelvic abscess in Havana on June 10.

The Cuban media reported on June 18 that Cuban leader Raul Castro and his brother Fidel visited convalescing Chavez, and discussed bilateral and international issues.

Chavez, who arrived in Havana on June 8 after visiting Brazil and Ecuador, has been keeping in contact with his cabinet members and instructed them on various state issues.

Venezuela is Cuba's main political and economic ally. The two nations have signed many economic agreements.

VietNamNet/Xinhuanet