Cuban leader Fidel Castro called in to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's radio talk show on Tuesday to say he feels energetic and his country is running smoothly without him at the helm.

"I feel good and I'm happy," Castro said in the call to Chavez's weekday program. "I can't promise that I'll go over there soon but, yes, I'm gaining ground."

Cuban Leader Fidel Castro meets with Venezuela President Hugo Chavez in this Jan. 29 photo.
(Juventud Rebelde/Associated Press)

Castro thanked Chavez, a close friend and ally, for spreading news of his progress and noted that his supporters seem to require regular updates on his condition.

"But I ask for patience, calm … the country is marching along, which is what is important," Castro said, his voice soft and steady.

"And I ask for tranquility also for me so that I can fulfill my new tasks."

In the six months since Castro announced he had undergone intestinal surgery, the communist country has been governed by Castro's brother, Raul, and a team of political leaders that includes Cuban Cabinet Secretary Carlos Lage.

It was the first time Castro has had to cede power in 47 years.

Chavez sounded surprised when Castro called Tuesday. The two leaders spoke for almost 30 minutes.

"You don't know how happy we are to hear your voice and know that you're well," Chavez said.

Cuba's government has kept Castro's condition and exact ailment secret, and Chavez acknowledged that he has become an emissary for news of his health.

On Jan. 30, Cuba released a new video of Castro looking stronger than in previous images, which quelled growing speculation that he was gravely ill.