Retired Cuban leader Fidel Castro made a rare public appearance at the opening session of the National Assembly in Havana.
Assembly members gave Mr. Castro a standing ovation as he arrived alongside his brother, President Raul Castro, who is expected to be named to a new five-year term.
The 81-year-old president raised speculation Friday about a possible retirement suggesting that he had plans to resign at some point.
Mr. Castro, who replaced his ailing brother Fidel in 2008, has called for two five-year terms for Communist Party and government leaders. This would be his second term in office.
During his first term, Mr. Castro presided over a limited reforms that included the gradual easing of restrictions on travel and personal property.