Fidel gives Hugo the kiss of death.

HAVANA (AP) — Fidel Castro ended a more than monthlong silence to laud President Hugo Chavez’s recovery from surgery in Cuba, saying he was confident the Venezuelan leader will win his battle against cancer.

In an essay published late Sunday, Castro said his country has a “close and indestructible friendship” with Chavez. “Let’s give him the strongest support and confidence,” the former Cuban leader wrote.

Castro said Chavez has worked almost without stopping since taking office in 1999, so it was only natural that his health would suffer. But he said the Venezuelan leader was recovering well in Havana.

“Without hesitation I affirm that the results are impressive, and I did not hesitate to affirm that the patient has undertaken a decisive battle that will lead him, and with him Venezuela, to a great victory,” Castro wrote.