A new picture of Fidel Castro has been published in a state-run newspaper, apparently¹ showing Cuba's ailing² former leader in much better health.

古巴政府下的报纸发布了卡斯特罗一张新照片，显示这位古巴前领导人健康情况很好。

Castro's health appears visibly to have improved in recent months

The photograph in Juventud Rebelde, the Communist Youth newspaper, showed Mr Castro talking to Ecuador's left-wing president, Rafael Correa.

Mr Castro, 83, was dressed more smartly than in other recent photos, wearing a white shirt rather than a tracksuit（田径服，运动外套）.

He has not been seen in public since undergoing an operation in 2006.

Mr Castro stepped down and his younger brother, Raul, took over his various offices.

Since then he has undergone a series of major intestinal³（肠的） operations, although the state of his health and whereabouts remain state secrets.

Neatly⁴ combed

There was speculation⁵ that Fidel Castro's health had deteriorated⁶（恶化） significantly at the end of last year in the run-up to the 50th anniversary of Cuba's revolution, says the BBC's Michael Voss in Havana.

But his health does appear to have visibly improved in recent months, our correspondent adds.

In the latest photograph Mr Castro appears stronger: his greying, almost white hair is neatly combed back and even his trademark⁷ beard appears to have grown a little.

He remains⁸ an influential⁹ figure behind the scenes in Cuba and publishes regular editorials in the state-run media.

Occasional photographs of him are published, usually showing him greeting visiting dignitaries.