A poster of Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez that reads “Move forward commander, we will live and overcome” hangs as Venezuela’s ambassador to Cuba Edgardo Antonio Ramirez stands by after a press conference by Cuban artists and intellectuals to show support for Chavez in Havana, Cuba, Monday, Jan. 7, 2013. Chavez hasn’t spoken or appeared publicly since his Dec. 11 operation in Cuba, his fourth surgery for an undisclosed type of pelvic cancer. Speculation about the leader’s condition has grown since the operation. AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa
CARACAS, Venezuela—Venezuela’s foreign minister says he met and spoke with President Hugo Chavez in Cuba, where the ailing socialist leader is convalescing following cancer-related surgery.
Chavez has not appeared or spoken publicly since he left for Havana on Dec. 10. He underwent surgery a month following his departure.
Government officials have said the 58-year-old president is improving after suffering complications including a severe respiratory infection, but they have not provided specific details about his health.
Elias Jaua said Thursday that he and Chavez discussed political and economic issues.