Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez

AP

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez says he is returning to his country on Thursday after undergoing a series of medical tests in Cuba, reports The Associated Press.

A message on Chavez's Twitter account says he will travel directly to the south-western town of La Grita to "keep a promise" at a church where there is an image of Christ well known to Venezuelans.

Venezuelan Energy Minister Rafael Ramirez told state television that it would be a visit of "faith, hope and giving thanks" by the president.

Chavez underwent surgery in Cuba in June to remove a cancerous tumour from his pelvic region.

The 57-year-old president has since finished with a series of chemotherapy treatments and says he is confident he will beat the illness.