Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam and Cuba have enjoyed a special friendship,solidarity and mutual trust in the past six decades, said Deputy Prime Ministerand Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh on December 1.

Attending a meeting to mark the 60th anniversary of the Vietnam-Cubadiplomatic relations, Minh stressed Vietnam always treasures the valuableassistance from Cuba to the Southeast Asian nation during its struggle forindependence as well as the cause of national construction and defence.

Together with the whole-hearted support in the fields of politics and foreignaffairs, Cuba sent thousands of engineers, workers, doctors and experts toVietnam, while helping the country train thousands of students and assisting itwith a wide range of equipment, machines, medicines and food even in the timewhen Cuba faced formidable challenges, he added.

In return, Vietnam has stood shoulder to shoulder with Cuba when the latter isin difficult socio-economic situation, he said, highlighting Vietnam shared reformexperience with Cuba when the nation started the update of economic model in2011, provides stable supply of rice for the nation, and helps it with manypractical cooperation programmes.

Minh affirmed Cuba remains an important and trustworthy partner of Vietnam, andboth sides have developed a close-knit friendship and cooperation between thetwo parties, governments, parliaments, and localities.

He laid a stress on the firm determination of leaders of both sides to make thebilateral relations deeper, more stable and sustainable; and develop theeconomic ties on par with the political relations for the cause of nationalconstruction and development in each nation, as well as for peace, stability,cooperation and development in two regions and the world.

Meanwhile, President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations NguyenPhuong Nga said that the Vietnam-Cuba friendship has become a symbol for internationalsolidarity during the struggle for independence, freedom, sovereignty and rightof self-determination for all peoples.


Over the past 60 years, the Vietnamese and Cuban peoples have stood side byside to overcome all challenges, she added.

Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Lianys Torres Rivera said the two nations havemaintained comprehensive collaboration, with the engagement of manyorganisations.

She hailed Vietnam’s stance of supporting the Cuban people in the struggleagainst the US’s blockade and embargo.

The diplomat added a range of activities were organised in celebration of thediplomatic ties, including online conferences, photo exhibitions, paintingcontests, friendship meetings, cultural exchanges, and insignia presentation,among others./.