Havana (VNA) – General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and State President To Lam and First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) Central Committee and President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez attended a warm meeting with representatives of Cuban friendship organisations and youth in Havana on September 27.

At the event, Yolanda Ferrer Gómez, a member of the PCC Central Committee and President of the Cuba-Vietnam Friendship Association, recalled unforgettable memories of her and Cuban heroine Melba Hernández founding the Cuba-South Vietnam solidarity committee, the first of its kind in the world, under the direction of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro.

She noted that with his vision and political acumen, Fidel Castro recognised the historical significance of Vietnam’s struggle against US forces and saw the necessity of developing a global solidarity movement with Vietnam.

During the event, the Vietnamese Party and State leader presented the friendship order to the Union of Young Communists of Cuba (UJC) for their contributions to strengthening the two countries’ relationship.

Meyvis Esteves Echevarria, First Secretary of the UJC, affirmed a commitment to preserving and deepening the legacy that connects Vietnam and Cuba and ensuring that their friendship continues to grow stronger.

In his remarks, the PCC First Secretary affirmed the two countries’ shared vision of building socialism. He said that the Vietnamese high-level delegation's ongoing state visit is of historic significance and marks a new milestone in the bilateral special friendship.

Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez expressed his admiration for Vietnam’s achievements in its national building and development process, noting that the success of the country's Doi Moi (Renewal) policy is clear proof that constructing a socialist society is entirely possible.

He also expressed gratitude for Vietnam's strong support in urging the US to lift its embargo and remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism.

Lam stressed that it is rare to see in world history such a relationship like the one between Vietnam and Cuba, which was nurtured over many decades by revolutionary leaders such as José Martí, Ho Chi Minh, Fidel Castro, and generations of leaders from both countries. He reiterated that Vietnam always appreciates Cuba’s unwavering support during its past struggle for independence as well as in its cause of national development and defence.

The Vietnamese Party and State leader went on affirming Vietnam's consistent stance in supporting Cuba's just fight and called for an immediate and unconditional end to the more than 60-year-long blockade and other actions against Cuba.

He suggested that both nations further promote exchanges between their social organisations, localities, and people to strengthen mutual understanding and camaraderie.

He announced that Vietnamese and Cuban leaders agreed to designate 2025, the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations, as the year of Vietnam-Cuba friendship, offering an opportunity for the sides to coordinate practical and meaningful people-to-people exchanges and link them to a series of economic, trade, investment, and tourism cooperation activities

ꩲ Lam also expressed his hope that the younger generations of both nations will continue to preserve and build upon the tradition of bilateral solidarity, special friendship, and comprehensive cooperation, ensuring that the ties remain strong and continue to contribute positively to the cause of national construction and defence in both countries./.