The First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) and President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel, today exalted here the unusual character of the ties established with Vietnam over the last 65 years.

“A relationship so exceptional has been forged between Vietnam and Cuba that it has overcome all tests of time and has become an obligatory reference of friendship and co-operation, particularly in times of enormous challenges for peace,” he emphasised during an event commemorating the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

Díaz-Canel pointed out that this special bond transcends formalities and protocols, because it was born and is affirmed in very deep traditions and identities, forged in the days when the Cuban Committee of Solidarity permanently denounced the crimes of imperialism in Vietnam.

That brotherhood –he added- became more endearing when the historical leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, assured before a huge crowd that for Vietnam we were willing to give even our own blood.

The Cuban head of state assured that today these ties are consolidating in all spheres: party, parliamentary, defence and security, judicial, of workers’ organisations, of women, of young communists and of solidarity.

He highlighted that political dialogue at the highest level is systematic and is characterised by frankness, mutual trust, broad coincidences in approaches on the international agenda and the permanent willingness to exchange experiences on Vietnam’s renewal processes and the updating of the economic and social model in Cuba.

As an outstanding fact, he mentioned the historic visit of To Lam to Havana in 2024, a decisive event for bilateral ties which ratified their endearing nature and outlined new economic and co-operation projects in strategic sectors for Cuba, with a new focus on sustainability and shared benefits.

He recalled that Vietnam is today the leading Asian investment partner on the Island, with projects linked to the production of food, essential goods, biotechnology and renewable energy.

“Cuba ratifies its willingness to promote an increasingly attractive environment for Vietnamese entrepreneurs, based on the facilities and incentives approved by the Cuban government,” he stated.

Furthermore, he highly valued the invariable support of Vietnam in the fight against the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States and the unjust and unacceptable inclusion of Cuba on the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism.

Díaz-Canel also reiterated his gratitude to Vietnam “for its invaluable support to Cuba’s food security”. In this sense, he stressed that the special sensitivity found in the Vietnamese Party and Government in creating commercial facilities to guarantee rice supplies to the Cuban people, amidst the complex situation we face, “confirms the strength and depth of our friendship”.

Prior to the start of the ceremony, Díaz-Canel and his Vietnamese counterpart, Luong Cuong, toured an exhibition of 65 photographs selected from the archives of the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) which reflect the close and fraternal relationship that has existed for more than six decades between the parties and peoples of both countries.