Hanoi (VNA) – Party General Secretary NguyenPhu Trong had a telephone talk with First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba(CPC) Central Committee and President of Cuba Miguel Díaz-Canel on December 21,during which the two sides discussed measures to further promote the bilateralties in the future.

The Cuban leader briefed Party General Secretary Trong aboutthe overall situation in the Latin-America region and Cuba, as well asdifficulties and challenges that Cuba is facing due to the impact of the worldeconomic crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters and conflicts in Europeas well as the embargo and hostile activities.

He affirmed that Cuba has stayed firm and implemented measures to boost economic recovery and development and ensure theliving conditions of local residents.

Cuba is implementing the Resolution of the 8th CPC National Congress, focusing on three major tasks of boosting economicdevelopment, promoting peace, and safeguarding the CPC ideological foundation,he said.

He also informed the Vietnamese side about the outcomes ofthe 10th session of its 9th parliament and the fifthsession of the CPC Central Committee, as well as preparations for the secondnational conference of the CPC that is slated for October 2023. He reiterated the central role of the CPC in the discussions on important issues of Cuba and in making decision on measures to deal with current difficulties and challenges.

Miguel Díaz-Canel spoke highly of Vietnam’s socio-economicachievements and expressed belief that under the leadership of the CommunistParty of Vietnam (CPV), Vietnamese people will continue to reap greatersuccesses in the implementation of set targets.

Party General Secretary Trong congratulated Cuba for it attainments in overcoming difficulties and stabilising the country’s situationand advancing to socialism. He affirmed that Vietnam always follow closely on Cuba’ssituation and shares difficulties with the Cuban Party, State and people, andexpressed belief that under the leadership of the CPC, Cuban people willovercome difficulties to gain greater achievements.

He also briefed the Cuban leader on Vietnam’s efforts inCOVID-19 control and socio-economic recovery and development as well as the implementationof the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress and the outcomesof the CPV Central Committee’s sessions. The leader affirmed that Vietnam willcontinue to pursue the external policy of peace, self-reliance, and diversificationand multilateralisation of relations.

Vietnam always accompanies the just revolutionary causeof Cuban people, and forever remembers Cuban leader Fidel Castro’s saying “ForVietnam, Cuba is willing to shed blood,” Trong said, reaffirming that Vietnam opposes the embargo against Cuba.

The two leaders shared delight at the positive progress inthe relations between the two Parties and countries.

They agreed to work to strengthen mutual understanding andmutual support, while maintaining the exchange of delegations at high and alllevels, continuing to sharing theoriesand practical experience, effectively implementingagreements in areas of each other’s strengths and demands such as agriculture andhealth care, and fostering their coordination and mutual support atinternational forums.

Miguel Díaz-Canel said he hopes Vietnamese businesses willincrease investment in Cuba, especially in areas of food andcommodity production, retail and wholesale.

Party General Secretary Trong invited Raúl Castro and MiguelDíaz-Canel to visit Vietnam. Miguel Díaz-Canel accepted the invitation withpleasure./.