Hu meets ailing Castro in Cuba

HAVANA, Nov. 19 (UPI) -- Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao met with Fidel Castro in Havana, assuring the ailing Cuban leader he looked recovered and energetic.

"I see in person that you have recovered and have been energetic so I feel very pleased," Hu was quoted as telling Castro, the official Chinese news agency Xinhua reported.

Xinhua, which carried a photograph of the two leaders in its report, quoted Hu as saying the members of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China "have all cared about your health and I brought their sincere greetings to you."

Castro, who is first secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, reciprocated by saying China and Cuba are old friends and he told Hu "you are as energetic as when I met you last time."

Raul Castro has taken over the leadership duties in Cuba in place of his brother.

The BBC reported the state Cuban television as saying China has agreed to continue buying nickel and sugar from Cuba and to send food aid to that country.

The two countries also concluded several other agreements but the BBC said their values were not reported.