Hanoi (VNA) – The Vietnamese Embassy inCuba has held a ceremony in Santiago deCuba, the second largest city of Cuba, to celebrate Vietnam’s 78th National Day (September 2).

The September 5 function saw the attendance of Secretaryof the local Party Committee José Ramón Monteagudo Ruízand Governor Beatriz Johnson Urrutia.

This is the first time Vietnam’s National Day hasbeen celebrated in Santiago de Cuba, regarded as the cradle of the CubanRevolution, about 900km east of Havana.

The event took place in the context that the twocountries are preparing for the celebration of the first visit to Vietnam by Cubanleader Fidel Castro 50 years ago (September 12-17, 1973).

Fidel was the first and only foreign leader to visitthe liberated area in the south of Vietnam when the war was ongoing.

This year also marks the 60th founding anniversaryof the Cuban Committee for Solidarity with South Vietnam.

In his remarks, Ambassador LeThanh Tung highlighted the historical importance of September 2, 1945, whenPresident Ho Chi Minh delivered the Declaration of Independence, declaring thebirth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (now the Socialist Republic ofVietnam).

Reviewing Vietnam’s journey over the past 78 years, thediplomat stressed the great support from peace-loving nations and progressiveforces worldwide, saying Vietnamese people always bear in mind their solidarity.

The Vietnamese Party, State and people have proudly preservedand promoted the fraternity, friendship, comprehensive cooperation and absolutetrust with their Cuban counterparts over the past 63 years, the ambassadorsaid, expressing his belief that the relationship will remain stable foreverand grow further in the time ahead.

A photo exhibition was also held on this occasion,featuring the special friendship between the two countries.

The Vietnamese Embassy in Russia also hosted aceremony in Moscow the same day to mark the National Day.

Prominent among the guests were Deputy Speaker ofthe Federation Council of Russia (Upper House of the Russian parliament) KonstantinKosachev, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, and Chairman of theCommittee for External Relations of St. Petersburg Evgeny Grigoriev.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Dang Minh Khoinoted that the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership has been thrivingacross spheres, with economic-trade ties consolidated and enhanced continuously,contributing to the development and prosperity in each nation.

Galuzin commended Vietnam’s dynamic economicdevelopment, and people’s improved living standards, saying the country hasbeen a prestigious and responsible member in the international community.

For his part, Grigoriev pointed to hugeopportunities for the two countries to foster their friendship and mutualunderstanding.

Within the framework of the event, there were anexhibition showcasing photos and objects on President Ho Chi Minh during his stayin Petrograd, now St. Petersburg, and the connectivity between Vietnam and thecity, along with a space introducing the land and people of Vietnam./.