Vietnam and Cuba cultivate special friendship and comprehensive cooperation

At a photo exhibition to mark the 45th anniversary of Cuban leader Fidel Castro's visit to the southern liberation area of Vietnam. (Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

This is the first high-level visit to Cuba made by a Vietnamese leader after Cuba successfully organised the 8th Congress of the CPC and Vietnam successfully organised the 13th National Party Congress. President Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s visit to Cuba is an important event in the relationship between the two countries, affirming the closeness and fidelity and a solid continuation in the special friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Cuba.

The special solidarity and friendship between the two Parties, States and peoples was formed on the basis of a history of resilient and indomitable fighting for independence, freedom, sovereignty and people's right to self-determination. It was initiated by President Ho Chi Minh and leader Fidel Castro and nurtured by generations of leaders and people of the two countries.

Over the course of more than 60 years, since the two countries established the diplomatic relations on December 2, 1960, the special friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Cuba have been continuously consolidated and developed in a sustainable manner, bringing practical effects in the cause of building and defending socialism and socio-economic development in both countries.

The Vietnamese people will forever remember the solidarity and unconditional support of the Cuban people. Leading in the international movement in support of Vietnam and being the first country in the Western Hemisphere to establish full diplomatic relations with Vietnam, Cuba has always provided valuable economic and military assistance to Vietnam during difficult times in the fight for liberation and reunification. Despite the danger, Fidel Castro was the first and only foreign Head of State to pay a visit to a newly liberated area in the central province of Quang Tri. Fidel’s immortal statement “For Vietnam, we are even willing to give our own blood” has always stayed in the hearts of the Vietnamese people.

Over the years, Vietnam-Cuba relations have continued to be consolidated and developed in all fields. Political relations are increasingly close, mutual trust has been strengthened, senior leaders of the two sides have maintained regular visits and exchanges.

Economic and trade cooperation has been promoted, through cooperation and investment programmes and projects, notably Vietnam's projects on supporting Cuba to develop rice production.

Vietnam is the second largest trading partner and the largest investor in the Asia-Oceania region in Cuba. More and more Vietnamese businesses are investing in Cuba, taking advantage of the strengths and support of the two economies, especially in the fields of energy, production of construction materials, consumer goods, and tourism infrastructure. The two countries have maintained coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums and international organisations. Vietnam has consistently stood side by side with Cuba and asked the US to lift its encirclement and embargo policies against Cuba.

The affection between Vietnam and Cuba is clearly shown in the joint fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, which is causing negative impacts on the global scale. As soon as the pandemic broke out, Vietnam and Cuba gave each other support with gifts, practical aid shipments, maintaining solidarity, and sharing, imbued with the time-honoured spirit of mutual assistance in difficult times.

NHAN DAN