Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez and his wife laid a wreath at the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Monument on the grounds of the Vietnam Military History Museum this afternoon.

He congratulated Vietnam on the 80th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's reading of the Declaration of Independence and expressed his honor in paying tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for national independence. "Vietnam's victory is a great example and inspiration to Cuba," he said.

This event was part of the Cuban president and his wife's state visit to Vietnam from 31/8-2/9, at the invitation of General Secretary To Lam and his wife.

The monument depicts a Cuban expert caring for a wounded Vietnamese soldier on the battlefield. It symbolizes the close friendship and shared hardships in the pursuit of national independence, and expresses gratitude to the Cuban people for their wholehearted support of Vietnam during the war and in defense of the country.

The Cuban president and his wife toured the museum's exhibits, learning about six historical themes from the nation's founding to the present day. The exhibits depict the process of defending national independence, the two resistance wars against France and the US, and the journey of national construction and development after 1975.

Deputy Minister of National Defense Nguyen Truong Thang affirmed that the special relationship between Vietnam and Cuba is a shining example of pure international solidarity. He recalled Cuban leader Fidel Castro's famous statement during his 1973 visit to the Quang Tri battlefield: "For Vietnam, Cuba is willing to shed its own blood."

Mr. Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez examined artifacts displayed in the Vietnam Military History Museum.

President Diaz-Canel affirmed that the museum is a testament to the heroism and indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people. He expressed gratitude to the generations who dedicated their lives to the cause of liberation, independence, and national defense.

"Vietnam's historical actions are an inspiration to Cuba, as we share the same aspirations for sovereignty and social justice," he wrote in the guestbook, recalling Fidel Castro's iconic words: "For Vietnam, Cuba is willing to shed its own blood."

Mr. Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez will attend the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Vietnam and Cuba established diplomatic relations on 2/12/1960. During the resistance war against the US, Cuba was a symbol and leader in the global movement of solidarity and support for Vietnam's just struggle, providing valuable and effective assistance.

Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang said the Cuban president's visit to Vietnam reaffirms the solidarity between the two nations, which continues to illuminate the path of cooperation and development for the benefit of each country, contributing to joint efforts for peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.

Vietnam recently launched a national campaign, "65 Years of Vietnam-Cuba Friendship," to raise funds to support the Cuban people in overcoming current difficulties, receiving tremendous support from the Vietnamese population.

Photo: Hoang Phong