President Fidel Castro and his brother, Raul Castro, the communist Cuban regime's number-two official and armed forces chief, met separately with Malaysia's visiting foreign minister, the Cuban foreign ministry said.

The Castro brothers met with Syed Hamid Albar shortly before he left Cuba late Wednesday, the ministry said.

During his one-day stay, the Malaysian top diplomat also met with his Cuban counterpart, Felipe Perez Roque, "in a cordial and friendly atmosphere reflecting excellent bilateral ties," the ministry said in a statement.

Cuba is due to take over leadership of the Non-Aligned Movement from Malaysia in September.

The countries also agreed to create a joint computer services business, and to boost ties between their universities.