Late Cuban leader Fidel Castro (middle), late Prime Minister Pham Van Dong (in white) and Vietnamese reporters in Quang Tri in 1973 (Photo: VNA) For decades, Fidel Castro had been a symbol of revolutionaryheroism, spirit of undaunted struggle and desire for freedom and happiness.
Under the leadership of Fidel,Cuba was the pioneer in the worldmovement of supporting Vietnam’sstruggle for independence as well as national construction. Cuba was alsothe first country to recognise the National Liberation Front of South Vietnamin December 1961, as well as the first and only to set up its embassy to thefront in September 1963.
During that period, Cuba also faced many difficulties. However,during a meeting in Havanawith the participation of tens of thousands of people, Fidel Castro stated that“unfortunately, we - Cuban people – do not have enough milk and sugar to sendto Vietnamese people. If we have, we will send not only milk and sugar but alsoour blood”.
The year 1976 was named “Heroic Vietnam Year” by Cuba as part of its support to Vietnam. In1972 when the dyke system in the northern of Vietnamwas destroyed by the USenemy, Cubatook August 28 as the “Dyke Day” and launched a campaign to denounce the crimesof the imperialism.
The leader reaffirmed that “our solidarity with, our trust inVietnamese people and leaders is unconditional and absolute.”
In September 1973, Fidel Castro was the first and onlyforeign leader to visit the southern liberation area of Vietnam when the warwas ongoing, bringing a great encouragement to Vietnamese soldiers and peopleand a promise to help realise President Ho Chi Minh’s wish to build a moreprosperous country. This showed the special sentiments of him and Cuban peopletowards Vietnamand its national liberation.
The image of the Cuban commander-in-chief, in his oliveuniform, standing in an enemy’s blockhouse raising the flag of the NationalLiberation Front of South Vietnam, became an extremely impressive image and asource of encouragement to Vietnamese people then.
During hardest period of the anti-US revolution, Fidel’ssaying “Cuba is willing to devoteblood for Vietnam”melt the hearts of Vietnamese and Cuban people as well as peace-lovers aroundthe world. The Cuban leader and people considered Vietnam’s struggle as their own.
Also in his first visit to Vietnam,Fidel Castro presented Vietnamwith five important socio-economic works: Thang Loi Hotel in Hanoi,Vietnam-Cuba Hospitalin Quang Binh, Xuan Mai Road,Ba Vi cow breeding farm, and a Luong My chicken factory.
He also gifted Vietnam cow and chicken breed, alongwith more than 6 million USD for buying modern production equipment. At thesame time, Cuba also sent expertsto Vietnamto join the construction of Ho Chi Minh Trail and train more than 1,000Vietnamese university students and post-graduates. Cubaalso supported Vietnamin joining the United Nations.
Fidel Castro’s next visits to Vietnam were in December 1995 and February2003, during which the friendship and cooperation between the two countrieswitnessed new development milestones.
Through the visits, the Cuban leader always affirmed that Cuba sees Vietnam as its close brother andfriend, and the solidarity, friendship and comprehensive partnership betweenthe two countries will continue to thrive.
Despite the long distance, the warm sentiments and faithful friendshipthat Fidel Castro given to Vietnamwill stay forever in the hearts of generations of Vietnamese people. For them,Fidel Castro is always a great friend./.
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