There is a young boy who dresses himself to look like the former Cuban leader Fidel Castro, and his wish to meet the leader in person has come true.

Reuters reported on Aug. 26 that Marlon Mendez, an 8-year-old whose bedroom wall is filled with dozens of Castro photos, was invited by the former leader for casual talks at Castro’s house.

On Aug. 12, a day before Castro turned 88, Marlon was shown on a Cuban TV program, dressed in his Castro costume, talking about his love for the former leader of the country.

Then on Aug. 16, Marlon and his family visited Castro’s home at the invitation of Castro himself.

The boy’s grandmother Maria Elvira Hernandez told Reuters that they talked about agriculture, politics and the social issues of the nation with the former politician.

Fidel Castro led the Cuban revolution of 1959 and remained in power for 49 years. He handed power over to his brother Raul Castro permanently in 2008, due to his failing health.

By Ro Ji-woong (jamesro@heraldcorp.com)