Hanoi (VNA) – Prime MinisterPham Minh Chinh received Minister of theRevolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba Corps General Alvaro Lopez Miera inHanoi on June 22.

Welcoming the Cuban minister on his fifthtrip to Vietnam, PM Chinh said the visit is highly meaningful as both countriesare celebrating the 60th founding anniversary of the Cuban Committeefor Solidarity with South Vietnam (September 25, 1963) and 50 years since then leaderFidel Castro’s first visit to Vietnam and arrival in the liberated zone inSouth Vietnam (September 15, 1973), and that it will help strengthen the twocountries’ special traditional friendship, including defence cooperation.

Vietnam always views Cuba as a comrade, abrother, and a traditional friend, Chinh said, affirming that it always keeps in mind the enormous and effectivesupport and assistance from the Party, Government, people, and armed forces of theCaribbean nation for Vietnam's struggle for independence and efforts in national constructionand safeguarding.

Vietnam wishes to share the difficultiesCuba is facing and will do its utmost within its capacity to assist the latter,the PM noted, adding Vietnam is ready to share experience in both the fields ithas performed well and those it has not. Vietnam always backs the United Nations resolution opposingthe embargo on Cuba, he said.

The host leader expressed his belief thatunder the clear-sighted leadership of the Communist Party of Cuba, led by MiguelDiaz-Canel, the Cuban people will definitely overcome difficulties, sustain politicaland social stability, and gain even greater victories.

PM Chinh highly valued the close multi-facetedcooperation between the Cuban Ministry of theRevolutionary Armed Forces and the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence, andalso applauded the outcomes of the talks between the two ministers.

The VietnameseGovernment has been creating favourable conditions for bilateral defencerelations to continue developing and become a pillar and an example in the twocountries’ cooperation, he went on.

For his part,Minister Alvaro Lopez Miera stated that his country has always beentreasuring and nurturing the time-tested and special friendship with Vietnam aslate leader Fidel Castro used to said: “For Vietnam, Cuba isready to shed its blood.”

He appreciated Vietnam’s support andassistance for Cuba’s national defence and construction, including the advocacyfor the UN resolution opposing the embargo on Cuba and its help withagricultural development.

The visiting official also appreciated thecontributions by Vietnamese businesses which he said have helped fosterbilateral economic and trade links.

He pledged coordination with the DefenceMinistry and relevant ministries and sectors of Vietnam to fruitfully implementthe issues both sides agreed on as well as the directions of Vietnamese and Cuban Party and State leaders./.