Cuban President Fidel Castro is doing well after last week's gastric surgery, the country's vice-president has said.
Speaking during a visit to Bolivia, Carlos Lage said Mr Castro - who turns 80 on Sunday - should return to work in a few weeks.
Cubans have been told that details of the surgery and the president's health will be kept secret to prevent Cuba's enemies from taking advantage of them.
Power has been temporarily transferred to Mr Castro's younger brother, Raul.
This is the first time in 47 years that Fidel Castro has ceded power, and the move has been celebrated by Cuban exiles in Miami who believe this is the beginning of the end for the communist regime.
The US has urged the Cuban people to push for democracy.
"The United States wants to be a partner and a friend to the Cuban people as they move through this period of difficulty and as they move ahead," American Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said on Sunday.
Cuba has repeatedly dismissed these calls and said they are of no value to Cubans.
'Talking'
When asked about President Castro's condition on Sunday, Mr Lage said: "In a few weeks he'll be recovered and he'll return to his duties."
Fidel: The world icon
"The operation that he underwent was successful and he is recovering favourably. Fidel's going to be around for another 80 years," he added.
Venezuela President Hugo Chavez - seen as a close Castro ally - said he had also heard Mr Castro was recovering well.
"This morning I learnt that he's very well, that he is already getting out of bed, he's talking more than he should - because he talks a lot you know," Mr Chavez said.
Cuba's leadership has assured Cubans that Raul Castro is firmly in charge of the nation - but he has not been seen in public since news of his brother's illness emerged.
The BBC's Stephen Gibbs in Havana says one theory behind Raul Castro's non-appearance is that he is deliberately giving Cubans time to adjust to the reality that, at least temporarily, the only leader they have known for the last 47 years is out of action.
Fidel Castro is one of the world's longest-ruling leaders, and has outlasted nine US presidents.
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