Tran Van Chien, Vice Chairman of the provincial People's Committee, highlighted that Cuba was the first and only country to send an ambassador to present credentials to the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam on March 4, 1969 shortly after its formation. Notably, the residence and workplace of then Ambassador Raul Valdes Vivo were located at the historical relic site of the Provisional Revolutionary Government's base in Tan Lap commune of Tan Bien district.
To honour this historical connection, the ambassador's house has been restored at its original location, preserving memorabilia from that era.
Looking ahead, Chien expressed his hope to further strengthen the special bond between the two nations, including between Tay Ninh and the Cuban Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City. He emphasised the areas where Cuban expertise could be particularly beneficial to Tay Ninh province, including pharmaceutical technology, medical workforce training, and community health care.
Tay Ninh also wishes to enhance cultural exchanges and interactions between their younger generations to sustain the strong and traditional fraternal relationship between the two countries, he said.
Cuban Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Ariadne Feo Labra echoed these sentiments, underscoring the growing bilateral ties marked by frequent political and diplomatic exchanges.
She reaffirmed Cuba's commitment to nurturing the special friendship between the two nations.
To mark this occasion, the provincial People's Committee presented 10 tonnes of rice as a gift to the Cuban people, along with a unique painting of Tay Ninh landscape crafted from rice grains.
