Both heads of state shared views on the Operation Milagro program, which will benefit 100,000 Venezuelans suffering from eye diseases this year alone and has been extended to citizens from other Latin American and Caribbean nations.

Fidel Castro said that following an improved outfitting of medical facilities the pace of surgical operations has noticeably increased and includes treatment of cataracts, strabismus and other diseases. He further stressed the need to advance in the diagnosis of complex diseases such as glaucoma.

There is a huge need for eye-surgery in Venezuela, said Hugo Chavez during the program. A Venezuelan ophthalmologist underscored the solidarity of the Cuban people and doctors that is making possible the joint program that will benefit many persons from several countries.

Solidarity is crucial for socialism, said Chavez during the ‘Alo Presidente’ weekly radio and TV program, aired on Sunday from the municipality of Sandino in the western Cuban province of Pinar del Rio.

Chavez praised a group of Venezuelan soldiers who built 150 homes in the Pinar del Rio community named Villa Bolivar in a project that began in September 2004 when the South American country offered to help out with rebuilding after the passing of Hurricane Ivan. Young Venezuelan corporal Luis Moreno said his comrades were very happy to have met their commitment.

Referring to the growing hostility towards Venezuela from the Bush administration, Chavez said that his government will do everything possible to avoid a military aggression, but noted if some mad person decides to invade us, the country has more than enough committed young soldiers to defend itself.

Cuban Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque said the struggle has been worth the while and recalled how the Pinar del Rio people welcomed both presidents on Sunday morning. He said the gathering of the two revolutionary leaders constitutes a special occasion.

Chavez thanked the local residents for the warm welcome as tens of thousands lined the highway for more than 16 kilometers as they welcomed the two leaders. Fidel Castro recalled the reception as something he had not seen in 30 years.