Venezuela’s vice president has said that president Hugo Chavez’s condition has improved, adding that he is now optimistic as he faces more treatment following cancer surgery.

Nicolas Maduro, Venezuelan vice president, said, "The commander is in the best moment we’ve seen him in these days of struggle. He has a smile and a gaze full of light. There’s a special enlightenment in his thoughts, in the way that he handles the work we do together through documents, through conversations, he is as always, reflecting."

The vice president made the remarks on state television after meeting Chavez in Cuba. He said Chavez also sent a message for Venezuelans, including that he is "very optimistic" about his treatment, and has a lot of faith in his government. Chavez hasn’t appeared or spoken publicly since before his latest operation last December. His government said he suffered complications including a severe respiratory infection.