Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez met in Havana, with both stressing "fraternal" relations between the two countries, the official Granma daily reported Wednesday.

Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez talk during a meeting in Havana November 9, 2010. Picture taken November 9, 2010. [Xinhua]

The meeting lasted over four hours, according to the paper.

Chavez arrived in Havana on Sunday to attend a ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of the signing of a comprehensive cooperation agreement between the two countries.

During their meeting, Castro, 84, thanked Chavez for the "warm and emotive" words he had spoken during his visit. Chavez reiterated his friendship with and admiration for Castro, whom he considered as "an example of revolutionary."

The two leaders also exchanged views on the "complex international situation," the newspaper said.

Venezuela is Cuba's main political and economic partner. Trade between the two nations reaches around 3.5 billion U.S. dollars every year.

Caracas sends around 100,000 barrels of oil per day to Havana, and Havana provides professional services, especially in heath and education sectors in Venezuela.