Castro, 80, stood for part of the meeting with his Venezuelan friend and ally Hugo Chavez. He seemed far healthier than he did the last time such footage was broadcast by Cuban television three months ago.

The video raises new speculation over Castro's fate and leadership over the communist-ruled island six months after he underwent intestinal surgery and handed over power "provisionally" to his brother Raul.

"This is far from being a lost battle," said Castro, clad in a red, blue and white track suit -- the colors of Cuba's flag.

Chavez, wearing his trademark red shirt, responded: "it is not, nor will it be a lost battle."

The ailing Cuban leader spoke slowly and softly and sipped orange juice during the meeting, which state-run television said lasted two hours and took place in Havana on Monday.