Ailing Fidel Castro smiling, on his feet, in photos of visit with Chilean President Bachelet

HAVANA (AP) — Chile’s government has released photographs of a smiling Fidel Castro standing alongside visiting Chilean President Michelle Bachelet.

The two photos released on Friday show Castro on his feet in a track suit. Chile’s presidential office released the images of Thursday’s private meeting on its Web page.

Last month, a similar photograph appeared after the 82-year-old Castro met with Argentine President Cristina Fernandez during her official visit to Cuba.

Fidel Castro has not been seen in public since mid-2006 when he underwent intestinal surgery and ceded power to his younger brother Raul. The photos have further dispelled recent rumors he was near death.