Actor Penn visits Venezuelan president

American actor Sean Penn has visited Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

Venezuela's state-run news agency reports that Penn accompanied Mr Chavez during the inspection of a natural gas pipeline yesterday.

Mr Chavez has praised Penn for his critical stance against the US war in Iraq, but he did not mention Penn's visit during a televised address and state media did not broadcast images of the Oscar-winning actor.

It was Penn's second meeting with Mr Chavez. The actor has previously visited as a freelance journalist.

Mr Chavez has hosted visits by several Hollywood stars including actors Danny Glover and Kevin Spacey. British supermodel Naomi Campbell paid a visit to Mr Chavez last year and expressed support for the leader's efforts to help the poor.