Cuba celebrated the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Vietnam and broke ground on the Vista Alegre solar power plant project in Jaruco town, Vista Alegre district, Mayabeque province on 2/12, according to Nhan Dan newspaper.

This project is a gift from the Party, State, and people of Vietnam to the Cuban people, expected to help Cuba overcome its energy challenges, as stated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Leaders of the two countries attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the solar power plant project in Cuba. Photo: VGP

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung affirmed that the Vietnam-Cuba relationship is an invaluable shared asset of the two nations and a shining example in international relations.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that in the coming period, both countries need to further promote their tradition of solidarity, steadfastly pursue the path of independence and self-reliance, constantly deepen political trust, and expand practical, innovative cooperation across all fields.

Recalling former leader Fidel Castro's statement, "For Vietnam, Cuba is ready to shed its own blood!", as well as President Ho Chi Minh's special affection for the Cuban people, President Miguel Diaz-Canel affirmed that the two nations have overcome many difficulties together, building an exemplary and close friendship.

The Cuban President thanked the Vietnamese government for its initiative to gift four solar power parks, each with a capacity of 20 MW, which will contribute to improving Cuba's electricity production system.

Miguel Diaz-Canel also expressed gratitude to the Vietnamese people for their support to the Cuban people through a program organized by the Vietnam Red Cross, viewing it as a testament to the deep, close, and sincere affection between the people of the two countries.

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung symbolically handed over the second phase of the fundraising program to support the Cuban people, totaling over 272 billion VND. Photo: VGP

Following the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung symbolically presented 272 billion VND, representing the second phase of the "65 years of Vietnam-Cuba solidarity" fundraising program organized by the Vietnam Red Cross.

In September, Vietnam had already donated nearly 385 billion VND to the Cuban people in the first phase. The total amount of support, exceeding 656.7 billion VND, is 10 times higher than the initial goal set when the program was launched.

Ngoc Anh