Hanoi (VNA)🌳 – President To Lam on July 24 received President of the National Assembly (NA) of People's Power of Cuba Esteban Lazo Hernandez who is in Vietnam to attend the state funeral of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong.

During the reception, President Lam said Cuban is one of the first countries to inform Vietnam about the attendance at the funeral, noting the Cuban delegation’s presence is a vivid manifestation of the comradeship, brotherhood, and special friendship between Vietnam and Cuba, as well as the precious sentiments of the Cuban leaders and people towards Party General Secretary Trong. Hernandez respectfully conveyed the deep condolences from the Party, State, NA and people of Cuba to their Vietnamese counterparts over the passing of the Party leader. He appreciated the contributions of the General Secretary to the cause of national protection, construction and development of Vietnam as well as to preserving, cultivating and developing the special brotherhood, faithful solidarity, traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Cuba. He affirmed that the passing of General Secretary Trong is not only a great loss to the Party, State and people of Vietnam and his family, but also to the Party, State and people of Cuba. On this occasion, Hernandez shared with President To Lam about the situation in Cuba and efforts to overcome current difficulties. Cuba thanks Vietnam for its regular and continuous practical support and assistance, both spiritually and materially, he said, affirming that Cuba wishes to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam in strategic areas such as agriculture, renewable energy, and tourism; and will strive to remove difficulties for Vietnamese businesses in Cuba. President Lam sincerely thanked the Party, State, Government and people of Cuba for their sharing and sympathies with Vietnam in this moment of grief, especially the condolence messages from General Raul Castro, First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee, President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, and Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz. Lam affirmed that Vietnam always values and wishes to continue promoting the development of the special traditional friendship and solidarity with Cuba. Vietnam always stands side by side, accompanies and supports the just revolutionary cause of the Cuban people, Lam said, adding that his country will preserve and further promote the legacy of Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong regarding the Vietnam-Cuba relations, and deepen the friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties and countries./.