Hanoi (VNA) – A ceremony was held at the headquarters of the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence in Hanoi on December 7 to present Cuba’s orders to leaders,former leaders and officers of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).

Specifically, the Orders of Playa Girón were granted toGeneral Phan Van Giang, Minister of National Defence; General Luong Cuong, Director of the General Department of Politics under the Vietnam People's Army; andGeneral Ngo Xuan Lich, former Minister of National Defence.

Cuba also presented the Orders of Antonio Maceo to sevenindividuals, and the Friendship Orders to 23 others.

Speaking at the ceremony, General Giang thanked the CubanParty, State, people and the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) for theiraffections and valuable rewards for officers and soldiers of the Vietnamesearmy.

He affirmed that together with the good development of therelations between the two parties and the two states, the relationship betweenthe VPA and the FAR has always received attention by generations of the twocountries’ high-ranking leaders, thus becoming an important pillar and brightspot in the bilateral ties.

To continue consolidating the defence cooperation in thecoming time, the two sides will actively carry out collaboration activitiesbased on signed documents and agreements, and work towards the early signing ofa cooperation plan for 2023-2025.

Attention will be paid to maintaining existing cooperationand dialogue mechanisms, promoting the exchange of delegations at all levels,he added.

The Order of Playa Girón is conferred on Cubans, foreigners, heads of state or heads of government for their outstanding roles in the struggle against imperialism, colonialism andneo-colonialism, and who have contributed to the peace and progress ofhumankind. It was established in 1961 and is named after the Playa Girón, sitewhere the Cuban army defeated the paramilitary invasion groups at the Bay ofPigs Invasion in 1961.

The Order of Antonio Maceo is presented to units and individuals of the FAR for their special achievements in military campaigns,outstanding combat qualities; or having merits in training and fosteringcommanders, contributing to the national safeguarding and development cause. Itis also granted to officers and military units of foreign countries for thesame purpose.

Meanwhile, the Order of Friendship is awarded to Cuban citizensand foreigners in recognition of their outstanding participation in the causeof building a just society and tightening solidarity, friendship, cooperation,mutual assistance between countries in the world./.