Addressing a grand meeting in Ha Noi to celebrate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Cuba (December 2, 1960–2025), the President underlined that Viet Nam’s solidarity with Cuba comes from the heart and is deeply rooted in the thinking of every Vietnamese. He reaffirmed that Viet Nam consistently attaches special importance to ties with Cuba, and will continue to consolidate and develop their comprehensive cooperation for the benefit of both peoples and for peace, stability, and development in the region and the world.
President Cuong and his spouse, together with visiting First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee and President of Cuba Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez and his spouse, attended the ceremony. The event was organised by the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO), in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of Public Security, the Viet Nam News Agency, the Ho Guom Opera, and the Cuban Embassy in Viet Nam.
Also present were former Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh, and former National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, among others.
Speaking at the event, the top Cuban leader affirmed that the extraordinary history of struggle and glorious victories of the Vietnamese people form the foundation of the exemplary relationship between the two countries, built on the unconditional support of the Cuban Revolution. He noted that Cuba is proud to have been the first Latin American country to establish diplomatic relations with Viet Nam on December 2, 1960, and the first in the world to set up a Committee for Solidarity with South Vietnam.
The Cuban leader stressed that a special bond has been formed between Viet Nam and Cuba, one that has stood the test of time and become a model of friendship and cooperation, particularly when global peace faces major challenges. He reviewed milestones over the past 65 years when the two nations stood shoulder to shoulder, both in the struggle for independence and during difficult periods of construction and development.
Today, bilateral ties are expanding across all fields, from Party, State, and parliamentary cooperation to economy, trade, investment, defence, security, social organisations, and people-to-people exchanges.
He highly valued Viet Nam’s steadfast support for Cuba in demanding that the US lift its blockade and remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. He expressed gratitude to the Party, State, and people of Viet Nam for their support for Cuba’s food security, particularly through meaningful campaigns such as the recent donation drive launched by the Viet Nam Red Cross Society.
He affirmed that the fraternal bonds between the Cuban and Vietnamese peoples have transcended geographical distance and economic conditions to become a lasting spiritual value, with their special solidarity and friendship remaining unshakable.
President Cuong highlighted the Viet Nam-Cuba relationship has stood firm through challenges and upheavals while continuously expanding in both scope and depth.
He recalled Cuba's solidarity during Viet Nam’s struggle for national independence, from being the first country to recognise the National Liberation Front of South Viet Nam, Fidel Castro’s historic visit to Quang Tri’s liberated zone in September, 1973, and Cuba’s wholehearted assistance in the years following national reunification. These are testaments to solidarity and valuable support Cuba has offered, and a profound source of encouragement and inspiration for the Vietnamese people, he said.
When Viet Nam embarked on its Doi Moi (Renewal) period and Cuba strived to overcome its “Special Period” and updated its economic model, the two countries continued to support each other. Cuba shared valuable livestock and crop varieties, as well as COVID-19 vaccines, while Viet Nam assisted Cuba in rice production, aquaculture, and coffee cultivation. Both sides have also exchanged valuable experience in socio-economic development and national safeguarding.
Citing President Ho Chi Minh's words that “Viet Nam and Cuba are tens of thousands of miles apart, but the hearts of the two countries’ people are as close as brothers in a family” and Fidel Castro’s affirmation that bilateral ties are “special, unprecedented and a model of international relations.”
The President emphasised that the ongoing visit to Viet Nam by First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee and President of Cuba Miguel Díaz-Canel, his spouse and the high-ranking Cuban delegation, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day of Viet Nam, once again underscores the special relationship between the two Parties, two States, and the peoples of Viet Nam and Cuba.
He expressed his delight at the important achievements of the Cuban Party, State and people in strengthening national unity, addressing socio-economic challenges and pursuing a flexible and substantive foreign policy, expressing his belief that Cuba will continue to overcome all difficulties and obtain greater successes in national building and safeguarding.
Before the grand meeting, President Cuong and the top Cuban leader, along with delegates and guests from both countries, visited a photo exhibition and watched a documentary film about the outstanding milestones of the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the governments and peoples of Viet Nam and Cuba over the past 65 years.
The photo collection included 65 typical photos selected from the photo archives of the Viet Nam News Agency, which vividly depicted the close and lasting relationship and comradeship between the Parties and peoples of the two countries.
