Vietnam-Cuba relationship – a model for building a more united world: Cuban FM
The minister emphasised that both nations can contribute to transforming the current international order, which he described as unjust, lacking solidarity, and environmentally unsustainable. The two countries can make contributions to the development of a multilateral world based on international law.
Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – 💎The 65-year diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Cuba stand as an exemplary model for building a more cooperative and united world, Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla stressed in an interview with the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s reporter as part of his official trip to Vietnam from February 18-20.
The Cuban diplomat said he has brought a message of brotherhood and friendship to the Southeast Asian country, extending Lunar New Year wishes to Vietnamese families for prosperity and well-being in the Year of the Snake.
According to the minister, the Cuban people have great affection for Vietnam, with children reading about the land of Annam, as great revolutionary José Martí called it, from their early age, and they call President Ho Chi Minh “Uncle Ho”.
During his packed schedule in Hanoi, the minister held productive meetings with Vietnam's top leaders, including Party General Secretary To Lam, State President Luong Cuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son. He said the events reinforced the special and enduring relationship between the two countries, with both sides noting significant progress in joint projects and committing to accelerating cooperation across the domains of culture, science, politics, and economy, among others.
Party General Secretary To Lam (R) hosts a reception for Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla. (Photo: VNA)
Reflecting on his previous visits to Vietnam in 1988, 2012, 2014, and 2018, Bruno Parrilla expressed his admiration for Vietnam's comprehensive development, progress in building socialism, and strong economic growth. He noted that Vietnam's development model provides important references for Cuba, particularly regarding its ambitious plans to build a developed socialist economy in the coming decades.
As with all his visits to Vietnam, he paid respects to President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum. This time, he also visited the late Vietnamese leader’s house, drawing inspiration from his teachings that continue to guide Cuba's socialist development.
The minister emphasised that both nations can contribute to transforming the current international order, which he described as unjust, lacking solidarity, and environmentally unsustainable. The two countries can make contributions to the development of a multilateral world based on international law.
Looking ahead, Bruno Parrilla laid stress on the importance of maintaining support for each other, particularly when Cuba is facing formidable challenges, suggesting the two sides complement each other's development through their respective strengths and advantages.
The minister said it is necessary to increase the exchange of delegations at all levels and via the Party, State, Government channels as well as social organisations. He highlighted the need to nurture the fraternal relationship – a legacy of President Ho Chi Minh and Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro, ensuring that future generations in both countries carry forward the sentiments of love, respect, and admiration that have characterised this special friendship for over six decades./.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla said he deeply appreciates Vietnam’s strong solidarity and unwavering support for the Cuban people, noting the Vietnamese side shows its commitment to advancing bilateral projects.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son expressed his delight at the fruitful development of the Vietnam – Cuba relations in all Party, State, and people-to-people diplomacy channels, reaffirming that the Party and State of Vietnam attach importance to the special relationship with Cuba, the first country in the Western Hemisphere to establish diplomatic ties with Vietnam.
On behalf of the Party, State, people of Cuba and General Raul Castro Ruz, Diaz-Canel conveyed the best wishes to the Party, State and people of Vietnam on the occasion of the 95th founding anniversary of the CPV (February 3, 1930 - 2025) and the Lunar New Year of the Snake.
The trip will be made at the invitations of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
At the conference, participants reported that the Government has so far issued 28 decrees on the delegation of responsibilities and powers between the central Government and two-tier local administrations. Several localities have already piloted the new governance model.
Reality is the ultimate benchmark for success, he said, urging drafting agencies to work out policies that foster development, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and respect practical conditions.
Under the official dispatch signed on June 20, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees are requested to concentrate efforts on implementing core measures to ensure the smooth operations of the new administrative framework.
The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.