President affirms Vietnam's heartfelt solidarity with Cuba

President Luong Cuong affirmed that Vietnam always attaches special importance to its relationship with Cuba, a solidarity stemming from the heart and mind of every Vietnamese citizen.

President Luong Cuong and his spouse, along with First Secretary and President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez and his spouse, attended a ceremony on Friday commemorating the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries at the Ho Guom Theater, according to the Vietnam News Agency (TTXVN).

Speaking at the ceremony, President Luong Cuong stated that 65 years ago, Vietnam and Cuba established diplomatic relations, a historic milestone that marked the beginning of an exemplary and rare friendship between two nations.

The president recalled Cuba's solidarity with Vietnam during the most challenging years of its struggle for national independence. He highlighted Cuba as the first country to recognize the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam, the context of the immortal saying "For Vietnam, Cuba is willing to shed its own blood", Fidel Castro's historic visit to the liberated zone of Quang Tri province in 9/1973, and Cuba's wholehearted support in the years immediately following the complete liberation of the South. He affirmed this as evidence of invaluable solidarity and support, a great source of encouragement and motivation for the Vietnamese people.

President Luong Cuong and First Secretary, President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez at the Ho Guom Theater on 1/9. Photo: Giang Huy

President Luong Cuong and First Secretary, President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez at the Ho Guom Theater on 1/9. Photo: Giang Huy

As Vietnam entered its Doi Moi period of economic reforms, and Cuba strived to overcome its Special Period and update its economic model, the two countries continued to support each other. Cuba provided Vietnam with valuable breeds of livestock and crops, as well as the Covid-19 vaccine. Vietnam actively supported Cuba in developing rice production, aquaculture, and coffee cultivation. The two nations also exchanged experiences and lessons in socio-economic development and national defense.

President Luong Cuong reiterated President Ho Chi Minh's words, "Vietnam and Cuba, though geographically distant, are like brothers in the same family", and Fidel Castro's affirmation that "The Vietnam-Cuba relationship is a special, unprecedented relationship, a model of international relations". He emphasized that solidarity with Cuba comes from the heart and mind of every Vietnamese person. Vietnam consistently attaches special importance to its relationship with Cuba, continuously strengthening, nurturing, and developing the comprehensive cooperative partnership between the two countries.

The president expressed his confidence that Cuba will overcome all difficulties and challenges and continue to achieve even greater victories.

President Luong Cuong speaks at the anniversary ceremony. Photo: Giang Huy

President Luong Cuong speaks at the anniversary ceremony. Photo: Giang Huy

First Secretary and President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel affirmed that the extraordinary history of struggle and the glorious victories of the Vietnamese people are the foundation for the exemplary relationship between the two countries, with the unconditional support of the Cuban Revolution. He emphasized that Cuba is honored to be the first nation in Latin America to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam on 2/12/1960, and the first in the world to establish a Committee of Solidarity with South Vietnam.

According to the Cuban leader, the special relationship between the two countries has stood the test of time and become a model of friendship and cooperation, especially at a time when world peace is facing great challenges.

First Secretary, President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez at the anniversary ceremony. Photo: Giang Huy

First Secretary, President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez at the anniversary ceremony. Photo: Giang Huy

The First Secretary and President of Cuba highly valued Vietnam's steadfast support for Cuba in its fight to demand an end to the US embargo and removal from the unreasonable list of state sponsors of terrorism. He expressed gratitude for Vietnam's invaluable support for food security, particularly donation campaigns.

He reaffirmed that "the bond between the Cuban and Vietnamese people has transcended all geographical distances and economic conditions to become an enduring spiritual value, and nothing can break this special friendship and solidarity".