Fidel Castro makes first public appearance in over a year
Cuba’s former president Fidel Castro made his first public appearance in more than a year this week, according to media reports.
The 88-year-old, who officially stepped down as leader of the Communist island in 2008, met with a group of visiting Venezuelans on Monday, official media reported.
{mosads}No explanation was given as to why it took five days for reports to surface.
In December, the United States and Cuba announced plans to restart diplomatic and economic ties after a more than 50-year lapse.
President Obama is expected to encounter Cuban President Raul Castro, Fidel’s 83-year-old brother, at next week’s Summit of the Americas in Panama City.
Cuba will attend the summit for the first time.
Latin American leaders have pressed Obama to change policies toward Cuba as part of their growing economic relationship with the United States.
Donning a baseball cap and light jacket, Castro was shown shaking hands through his car’s window, according to official media photos.
The elder Castro reportedly spent 90 minutes with the group of 33 Venezuelans at a school, who were visiting Cuba on a mission.
Cuba and Venezuela have longstanding ties.
“Fidel is full of vitality,” the report said.
Castro had previously been seen on Jan. 8, 2014.
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