Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam has always treasured, and is determined toconsolidate, its fraternal relations and friendship with Cuba, the foundationof which were laid by President Ho Chi Minh and Cuban President Fidel Castro, PrimeMinister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said on September 13.

He made the statement while hosting a reception for the Cuban delegation, ledby First Vice President of the Councils of State and Ministers of Cuba Salvado Valdes Mesa. The delegation was inVietnam to attend activities marking 45 years since leader Fidel Castro visitedthe liberated area in the south of Vietnam in September 1973.

PM Phuc said that Fidel’s visit to Vietnam is an important milestone in theirbilateral relations, which need to be preserved by generations of both peoples.

The Vietnamese Party, State and people have always kept a close watch on Cuba’sdevelopment, he said, believing that the American nation will reap furtherachievements in the socio-economic development.

Lauding the efforts of both nations to consolidate bilateral ties in the past,with various cooperative mechanisms having been effectively implemented, PMPhuc said that the two countries need to maintain sound political relations,bolster economic collaboration, and develop traditional ties in a deeper andmore practical manner.

He suggested enhancing delegation exchanges at all levels, saying that theVietnam-Cuba Intergovernmental Meeting should take place by the end of thisyear to review cooperation content and look for new collaborative orientationsthat focus on all-round cooperation and support for each other at theinternational forums.

On behalf of the Cuban Party, State and people, Salvador Valdes Mesacongratulated Vietnam on the nation’s socio-economic achievements in recent years,affirming that Cuba has always attached great importance to the traditionalrelations between the two countries.

Cuba has given priority to developing its friendship with Vietnam, he said,adding that the official visit to Cuba by General Secretary of the CommunistParty of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong is a historical one, openingup new chapters in bilateral relations and setting up new cooperation sectorsbetween the two sides.

Currently, Cuba is carrying out agreements inked during General SecretaryTrong’s visit to boost collaboration in economy, trade, investment, andfinance, he said.

They can work together in pharmaceuticals which Cuba holds an enormous strengthin, he underlined, stating that Cuba has been interested in aviationcooperation with Vietnam to increase the number of flights connecting Cuba andother American countries.

Also, Cuba wants to set up a joint venture with a Vietnamese enterprise tofoster tourism activities. Thus, it needs the support and collaboration ofVietnamese banks, he said. –VNA