Cuba's President Fidel Castro and his Venezuelan counterpart Hugo Chavez (R) look at a book during the daily newscast Mesa Redona in Havana in this image taken from television January 30, 2007. Ailing Cuban leader Castro was shown on state television on Tuesday for the first time in three months, meeting with Chavez in Havana. [Photo: Reuters]

Cuban leader Fidel Castro on Tuesday appeared on his country's state television for the first time in three months.

The 80-year-old leader, who was shown standing and chatting with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in Havana, looked stronger than previous images since he underwent an intestinal operation on July 27.

The video footage was taped on Monday during a two-hour private meeting, according to the state television.

Castro handed over power temporarily to his younger brother Raul Castro four days after the surgery.