Q: How would you assess Viet Nam’s development achievements over the past 80 years?
A: Viet Nam’s historical journey from 1945 to the present day is a miracle of willpower, creativity, and national solidarity, along with the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh, the founding father of modern Viet Nam, and subsequent generations who have remained loyal to his legacy.
For Viet Nam, gaining independence, achieving national liberation and reunification, as well as rebuilding a nation devastated by war, were an extraordinary achievement. The world has widely recognised Viet Nam’s impressive socio-economic achievements, along with its extraordinary capacity for national unity in pursuing ever greater goals.
The achievements of Doi Moi have transformed Viet Nam’s economic and social structure, bringing more progress and welfare to its people. This is truly admirable.
In 1995, at the conclusion of his second visit to Viet Nam, Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro congratulated the Vietnamese people for their determination and courage. These very qualities have shaped the country’s path throughout the past 80 years. By safeguarding its sovereignty and remaining steadfast in building a peaceful nation, Viet Nam has conveyed a powerful message to all humanity.
Cuba is proud to have Viet Nam as a brotherly nation, a loyal friend, and a close partner. President Ho Chi Minh’s thought and career, together with the heroic epic of the Vietnamese people, continue to live on in today’s generations of Cubans. Fidel Castro and Cuba’s pledge to be ready to shed blood for Viet Nam still resonates across our country.
As we mark 80 years since President Ho Chi Minh’s Declaration of Independence resounded across historic Ba Dinh Square, allow me to extend the warm embrace of the Cuban people to the Party, State, Government, and people of Viet Nam, together with our firm belief that Viet Nam will continue to achieve further successes.
Q: How do you evaluate the fine relations between Viet Nam and Cuba? What have been the important milestones in recent years?
A: Relations between Viet Nam and Cuba have always been traditional, brotherly, and marked by special solidarity, forged in the struggles against imperialism and for the cause of building socialism. This is a priceless asset and a model of relations between nations, rising above geographical distance and each country’s distinct historical and cultural circumstances.
The thoughts and legacies of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz and President Ho Chi Minh laid the foundations for this relationship, which has since been nurtured by generations of leaders and peoples of both countries. It is our responsibility to preserve and enrich the bilateral relationship so that it may be passed on to future generations. This year, the Viet Nam-Cuba Friendship Year, when our two countries celebrate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations, is an occasion to honour that legacy.
There are many stories of profound affection, trust, and the strength of Viet Nam-Cuba relations. Both sides continue to maintain political exchanges at all levels. In 2024, Vietnamese General Secretary and President To Lam visited Cuba. Esteban Lazo, President of the Cuban National Assembly, came to Ha Noi to pay tribute to General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.
In terms of economic cooperation, Viet Nam is Cuba’s second-largest trading partner in Asia. Cuba has created favourable conditions and special incentives for Vietnamese enterprises to invest in the country. One particularly promising rice production project has been prioritised, contributing to ensuring Cuba’s food sovereignty and security.
In the near future, in Viet Nam, important projects will be implemented to promote the research, development, production, and commercialisation of Cuban pharmaceutical and biotechnological products. Joint cooperation in energy-related projects is also being advanced. Vietnamese enterprises and high-quality products in textiles, footwear, fertilisers, household electrical appliances, IT equipment, solar panels, and electric or hybrid vehicles are being promoted for production and distribution in Cuba’s wholesale and retail markets.
Cultural exchanges in many fields such as dance, fine arts, literature, cinema and more are being strengthened. In academia, reciprocal university scholarships are maintained. This year, Cuba inaugurated two research groups at the Nico López Party School and the University of Havana dedicated to the life and revolutionary career of the beloved leader Ho Chi Minh and to Viet Nam. At the same time, we hope to establish in Viet Nam a research group on Fidel Castro Ruz.
What moves us most is the deep affection, admiration, and respect we feel from every Vietnamese person when speaking of Cuba. A vivid example of this was the overwhelming response of the Vietnamese people to the recent campaign in support of Cuba, which touched us deeply. What took place over the past few weeks could not have happened without the close bond between our peoples. The campaign struck a chord in the very hearts of the Vietnamese people, reflecting generosity, compassion and humanitarian values for a country thousands of kilometres away.
Q: What outcomes do you expect from the visit to Viet Nam by the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba’s Central Committee, President of the Republic of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez and his spouse?
A: This is the first time that a senior Cuban leader has visited Viet Nam in his capacity as First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba’s Central Committee and President of Cuba. Notably, Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez will come to Viet Nam to take part in celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and Viet Nam’s National Day.
The First Secretary and President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez will hold talks with Viet Nam’s top leaders and participate in important activities to further consolidate the historic, special friendship and cooperation between our two countries. He will also attend the ceremony marking the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cuba and Viet Nam.
This visit takes place in the context of continued positive development in bilateral relations. Ties between the two Parties and exchanges at various levels are being maintained and expanded. Economic, trade and investment relations have also entered a new phase, becoming broader, more substantive, effective, and sustainable.
We believe this important visit will further strengthen and elevate the close ties between Cuba and Viet Nam.
Thank you very much!
