Cuban officials gathered for a prominent book launch in Havana Wednesday, though the author of Peace in Colombia — Fidel Castro — was a no-show for the ceremony.

A host of government representatives, including parliamentary chief Ricardo Alarcon, assembled for the launch of the 265-page book by the ailing ex-president.

According to Cuban Communist party newspaper Granma, Peace in Colombia chronicles Cuba's role in Colombia's peace process and blends in the 82-year-old Castro's own memories of the country.

Castro, a recluse since falling ill and undergoing intestinal surgery in 2006, formally ceded his leadership status to his younger brother Raul in February.

However, essays signed by Castro are regularly published in state newspapers and on websites.

Over the years, Castro has published a lengthy list of books, largely on political topics, but he also co-authored a memoir of his former colleague Che Guevara. His autobiography Fidel Castro: My Life appeared in 2006.

With files from Reuters and the Associated Press