Sincerity - Sharing - Responsibility

September 2021 marks another memorable milestone in Vietnam-Cuba relations with President Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s official visit, conveying a strong message of solidarity, faithfulness, sharing and support that the two countries that are half the world away always devote to each other, especially when both are severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and Cuba is facing numerous difficulties due to unreasonable and harsh embargoes.

Made at a significant time to both countries, with Vietnam and Cuba having both successfully held their Party Congresses and entered a new stage of development with new important goals, the visit affirms that Vietnam and Cuba always stand shoulder to shoulder, mutually support socialism building in each country, creating a new momentum and new vitality for the bilateral relationship, meeting the development requirements in a new situation.

The Party, State and people of Cuba extended a warm welcome to the Vietnamese President and delegation, filled with sincere and trusted comradeship, brotherliness, and friendship.

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of Cuba Miguel Díaz-Canel, revolutionary leader Raul Castro, and leaders of the Cuban parliament and government had sincere and open exchanges with extensive and substantive content.

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc also had informal meetings with representative of Cuba’s friendship and solidarity organisations.

Affirming the special quality of the bilateral relationship cultivated by President Ho Chi Minh, leaders Fidel Castro Ruz and Raul Castro Ruz and generations of the two countries’ leaders on the basis of solidarity, mutual admiration and similarities in lofty ideals and principles, Vietnam and Cuba have agreed to expand and deepen the special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation in order to make active contributions to the cause of national construction and defence, for peace, stability and development.

Recognising and highly praising the valuable contributions to growing the friendship, solidarity and enhancing cooperation between the two countries, the Cuba Party and State awarded the prestigious Jose Marti Order to President Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

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The leaders agreed on the major orientations for the continued development of bilateral relations, with the ultimate goal of comprehensively developing the relationship of time-honoured friendship and special solidarity through all channels of Party diplomacy, State diplomacy and people’s diplomacy, and in all fields from politics-diplomacy, national defence and security to socio-economic development, culture, education and people-to-people exchanges.

In order to make the most of existing mechanisms to enhance the exchange of theories and practical experiences in the building of socialism and socio-economic development in each country, both sides agreed to continue working closely together and effectively implementing the cooperation agreements between the two Parties in the 2018-2023 period, including the exchange of delegations at all levels and the organisation of the fifth theoretical conference.

In the context that Vietnam continues to promote the “Doi Moi” (Renewal) cause and Cuba continues to update its socio-economic growth model, the two sides maintain exchanges with a focus on areas such as food security, cybersecurity, communication, keeping historical memories and strengthening cooperation in defence-security and external relations.

In order to meet mutual wishes and interests, the two sides agreed to expand and deepen economic cooperation commensurate with good political relations, giving priority to cooperation in agriculture, information technology, transportation, tourism, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and vaccines. Vietnam continues to cooperate, contributing to supporting Cuba in ensuring food security.

A series of important documents were signed, such as the plan of action to implement the middle-term economic agenda for the 2021-2025 period, the plan of action to implement the Cuban Aquaculture Support Project’s third phase, and many cooperation agreements on agriculture, health, justice, information and communication, energy, and tourism.

The two sides will also continue to unite, coordinate and support each other at multilateral forums, enhancing the position of each country and making more positive contributions to peace, stability, national independence, democracy and social progress in the world. The two sides reaffirmed the similarities in their stances on international issues, affirming that international disputes need to be resolved by peaceful means, strictly adhering to the principles of International Law and the Charter of the United Nations.

Vietnam affirmed its consistent stance of supporting the just struggle of the Cuban people for immediate and unconditional end of ungrounded and unilateral economic, trade and financial blockage against Cuba.
Vietnam and Cuba are steadfast in their ideals on the socialist-oriented development path.

The high political trust and sincere comradeship forged through many trials continues to provide a solid foundation for the development of Vietnam-Cuba relations in the new period.

Regarding the content of “preserving historical memories”, the Joint Statement of Vietnam and Cuba affirmed the belief that future generations of both nations will remain loyal to the everlasting heritage owned between the two peoples, maintain their solidarity and continue to walk hand in hand in the cause of national construction and protection of socialism in each country.

A highlight and practical result of President Nguyen Xuan Phuc's official visit to Cuba is that, despite many economic difficulties and insufficient vaccine resources, Cuba has still committed to supply 10 million doses of Abdala COVID-19 vaccine as well as transfer vaccine production technology to Vietnam, especially having decided to deliver more than 1 million doses of vaccine to Vietnam right during the visit.

Previously, Cuba also promptly sent experts and donated medicine to help Vietnam. Despite many difficulties, the Party, State and people of Vietnam donated 23,000 tonnes of rice to the Cuban people, and during the visit specifically, Vietnam donated 6,000 tonnes of rice and a lot of medical equipment and supplies.

The gifts show Cuba's magnanimous and pure support for Vietnam. The noble gestures of the two countries contribute to deepening the traditional friendship and special solidarity between Vietnam and Cuba which generations of leaders and people of the two countries have worked hard to cultivate.

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc led a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation to attend the High-Level General Debate of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly’s 76th session, taking a step in implementing the foreign policy affirmed at the 13th Party Congress, Directive 25-CT/TW on promoting and elevating the Vietnamese multilateral diplomacy.

In the context of the complicated development of the Covid-19 pandemic worldwide, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc's direct participation and speech at the High-Level General Debate of the UN General Assembly and the UN's biggest activities of the year has a very special meaning, showing a high sense of responsibility and Vietnam's strong commitment, as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC) for the 2020 – 2021 term.

In addition to the High-Level General Debate of the UN General Assembly, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc also attended and delivered an important speech at three high-level meetings, discussing global issues such as response to the Covid-19 pandemic, climate change and food security.

At the events, the President discussed with other heads of state about orientations for mankind and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals until 2030.

With practical significance in solving urgent problems and promoting the realisation of long-term goals, the President's messages were highly appreciated by the United Nations, other countries and international friends.

International cooperation and joint efforts to overcome challenges was the prominent message in the speech of President Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the high-level general debate of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly.

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The President made many assessments and specific proposals to promote multilateral cooperation with the United Nations based on international law in order to respond to complicated global challenges such as conflicts, resource disputes, climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, which are seriously affecting peace, security and development in the world.

Amid the intense effects of the pandemic, which clearly reveal the weaknesses of the global governance system, the President said that each country should make efforts based on their self-reliance and global cooperation, thereby turning challenges into opportunities through accelerating digital transformation and the application of new technologies while improving labour productivity, competitiveness and economic resilience.

This is also an opportunity for countries to promote green transition and sustainable development through efforts to mitigate and deal with the growing negative impacts of climate change.

However, according to the President, cooperation efforts to control the pandemic and overcome challenges cannot succeed without a peaceful, secure and stable environment in each country, each region and the world. Joint efforts cannot be realised when the international relations system continues to be fragmented, split and unstable under the impact of increasing tensions between major powers, wars, and disputes over territory and resources.

International friends expressed their appreciation and agreement with the assessments and proposals of the Vietnamese leader after his speeches.

The messages of President Nguyen Xuan Phuc conveyed the image of a strong, dynamic, innovative and peace-loving Vietnam with aspiration for development and responsible and practical contributions to the common work of the United Nations and the international community.

The message on Vietnam’s support for the central role of the United Nations in the global governance system and Vietnam’s wish to promote comprehensive cooperation with the United Nations in response to common challenges was also delivered by President Nguyen Xuan Phuc during meetings with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and President of the United Nations General Assembly Abdulla Shahid.

The President emphasised that Vietnam is working with ASEAN member countries to strengthen the central role of the association in maintaining peace, security and prosperity in the region. Vietnam also shares the common voice of the international community on the importance of maintaining peace and stability as well as safety and freedom of navigation and aviation in the world, including the East Sea/South China Sea issues and settling disputes peacefully on the basis of the UN Charter and international law, the full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and soon completion of the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in accordance with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Attending this year's UN General Assembly session, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation demonstrated the nation's aspiration to build a strong country, with a law-governed state, of the people, by the people and for the people, in addition to inspiring deep patriotism, unyielding will, great solidarity and the innovation and creativity capacity of the whole nation.

Vietnam continues to affirm its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation and development which proactively and actively integrates into the world to be an active member and responsible contributor to the common efforts of the international community.

Opportunities for important cooperation have been fully utilised by the high-ranking delegation of Vietnam on the occasion of their attendance to the general debate of the UN General Assembly.

During his just over three days in New York, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc had meetings with over 30 heads of states, governments and major international organisations from around the world, including the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF), as well as hosted around 20 meetings and exchanges with representatives from nearly 50 of the world’s leading corporations and enterprises.

Leaders of central ministries, departments and agencies in the delegation have also proactively met and discussed with leaders of their partners, including around 20 Foreign Ministers from foreign countries.

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Vietnam’s major orientations and new development goals were introduced by President Nguyen Xuan Phuc to international friends.

Proposals on enhancing international cooperation and expansion of partnerships between Vietnam and other countries, international organisations and enterprises were raised by the State leader, received enthusiastic responses. 

The Vietnamese President’s meetings with many foreign leaders, international organisations and enterprises, particularly strategic and important partners and long-standing friends, have made significant contributions to strengthening solid and stable external relations and a favourable environment for national peace, stability and development.

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s bilateral meetings in the US have contributed to further boosting the Vietnam - US Comprehensive Partnership.

At his receptions for authorities, parliamentarians and left-wing friends from the US, the President emphasised that Vietnam has always considered the US one of its top partners, with the main pillars of economy, trade and cooperation.

The two countries will continue to cooperate and create favourable conditions for each other such that more US businesses will be present in Vietnam, contributing to ensuring the stable development of their economic relations in line with the goals and interests of both sides.

The information about the results from the implementation of dual goals of fighting against the pandemic while boosting economic recovery helped reinforce confidence and attract more international investors and businesses.

Many representatives from foreign corporations and enterprises acclaimed Vietnam’s policy of calling for investment while evaluating Vietnam as a dynamic market with many potentials and opportunities for investment and business.

The mobilisation of COVID-19 vaccine supply and support for Vietnam’s prevention and control efforts was the major topic throughout the meetings of the Vietnamese high-level delegation at all levels and in all channels.

In addition to over one million doses of COVID-19 vaccine from Cuba that were transported to the country right after the president's working trip, many countries and partners committed to aid and provide vaccines to Vietnam.

Notably, the Republic of Korea pledged to support and hand over more than one million vaccines in mid-October and Hungary committed to soon deliver 400,000 doses, while many partners donated medical supplies worth millions of USD to Vietnam.

The meetings and exchanges have prompted many of the world’s leading corporations to sign contracts and cooperation agreements worth billions of USD with Vietnamese enterprises during the trip, significantly contributing to consolidating international business community’s confidence to maintain and increase investment in Vietnam.

Talking to the press, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son affirmed that the visit made by President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and the high-ranking delegation of Vietnam has had profound significance and achieved the set goals.

The positive results of this important external activity have made practical contributions to the implementation of the foreign policy of the 13th National Party Congress as well as conveyed a strong and clear message of a peace-loving, development-yearning, responsible and active country that has actively contributed to the peace, security and common development of the world.

Published:September,2021
Production Manager: NGOC THANH
Content: SON NINH, DINH TRUONG
Translation: THUY LINH, KIM LINH, THUY TRAN, HOA BUI
Design: BONG MAI, HONG VAN, PHAN ANH
Photos: VNA