Hugo Chávez congratulates Castro

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP):

Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez has sent a message to Raul Castro, congratulating him for his re-election as Cuba's president.

Cuban lawmakers re-elected Castro on Sunday. Castro said the new five-year term will be his last as Cuba's president.

In a statement released by Venezuela's foreign ministry yesterday, Chávez called Castro "a brave soldier" and expressed optimism his new term as Cuba's leader would be successful.

Venezuela and Cuba have forged strong ties under Chávez.

Chávez returned to Venezuela on February 18, after more than two months of medical treatment in Cuba following cancer surgery.