Saturday, September 6, 2025

 

Vietnam donates $15.2 million to Cuba, reaffirming special bilateral ties

On the morning of September 1, after an official welcome ceremony, General Secretary To Lam held talks with First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba and President Miguel Díaz-Canel.

High-level talks between Vietnamese and Cuban leaders. 

During the meeting, the two leaders informed each other about the current situations in their respective countries and discussed measures to strengthen and advance the special traditional friendship between Vietnam and Cuba.

General Secretary To Lam emphasized the special significance of the Cuban leader’s visit, which coincides with the “Vietnam - Cuba Friendship Year” marking 65 years of diplomatic relations. The visit, he noted, is a milestone and a strong driving force for deepening and elevating the bilateral relationship.

The two leaders shared heartfelt reflections on the enduring solidarity between the two peoples, nurtured by President Ho Chi Minh, Comrade Fidel Castro, and generations of leaders and citizens of both nations. They affirmed their belief in a bright future for Vietnam - Cuba relations.

A deep bond reaffirmed in a historic year

President Miguel Díaz-Canel expressed his joy and emotion at returning to Vietnam after seven years. He admired the heroic history of the Vietnamese people and congratulated the nation on its remarkable achievements.

He described Vietnam’s 80-year journey as a profound source of encouragement for the Cuban people during their current challenges. The Cuban President was deeply touched by the warmth of the Vietnamese people and their generous support during Cuba’s recent fundraising campaign.

General Secretary To Lam reiterated that Vietnam closely follows every step of Cuba’s development and is pleased with the significant progress the country has made. He shared valuable insights from Vietnam’s Doi Moi (Renewal) reforms and stated that “solidarity and support for Cuba is a matter of conscience and responsibility for Vietnamese communists and the entire Vietnamese people.”

Vietnam remains resolute in advancing the legacy of Vietnam-Cuba relations by expanding and enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly to match the potential and high level of mutual trust.

High-level dialogue and strategic coordination

The leaders agreed to reinforce political trust and strategic coordination, maintaining regular high-level visits and dialogue across all channels, including the Party, State, Government, National Assembly, localities, mass organizations, and the people.

Vietnam and Cuba will continue to exchange theoretical perspectives on socialist development, share leadership experiences in socio-economic development, and prepare for their respective national Party Congresses in 2026.

They pledged to boost and deepen cooperation in economy, trade, and investment, with a strategic focus on agriculture, solar energy, and biotechnology-pharmaceuticals.

Cuba committed to creating favorable conditions for Vietnamese enterprises to invest in rice production and modern agricultural development. These efforts aim to help Cuba enhance local food production and ensure food security - a critical factor in the country's sustainable development.

Vietnam delivers $15.2 million gift to the Cuban people

General Secretary To Lam and President Miguel Díaz-Canel witnessed the handover of the first installment of Vietnam’s gift to Cuba: a donation worth 385 billion VND (approximately $15.2 million USD) from the Vietnamese Party, State, and people to support the Cuban people.

The two leaders agreed to facilitate the establishment of joint ventures between the two countries in pharmaceutical production and technology transfer of bio-products and chemical drugs from Cuba. They also committed to strengthening research and development in advanced biotechnology and pharmaceuticals in Vietnam.

Recognizing shared strengths and priorities, both sides will promote cooperation in defense, security, justice, science and technology, construction, culture, sports, and people-to-people exchanges.

The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing coordination and mutual support in international organizations and multilateral forums. Vietnam called for the removal of all unilateral sanctions and embargoes against Cuba.

General Secretary To Lam announced the initial results of a 65-day nationwide campaign titled “65 Years of Vietnam - Cuba Solidarity,” launched to mark the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties. The campaign mobilized nearly two million participants and raised almost 400 billion VND (approximately $15.8 million USD), reflecting the deep-rooted solidarity and cooperation between the two countries.


Both leaders reaffirm determination to deepen Vietnam - Cuba ties. 

Strengthening friendship at all levels

Also on the morning of September 1, President Luong Cuong held talks with First Secretary Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez.

President Luong Cuong praised the presence of Cuba’s high-level delegation at this milestone event, noting it symbolized the close, fraternal bond between the two nations and Cuba’s valuable support.

He emphasized Vietnam’s enduring gratitude for Cuba’s unwavering solidarity, both materially and spiritually, and expressed great joy at Cuba’s recent socio-economic achievements. President Luong Cuong voiced confidence that heroic Cuba would overcome its current challenges.

Both leaders affirmed that the Vietnam - Cuba relationship continues to strengthen across all areas.

President Luong Cuong warmly welcomed President Miguel Díaz-Canel, calling him a cherished friend of the Vietnamese people.

President Díaz-Canel, speaking on behalf of the Cuban Party and State, said he was honored to attend the National Day celebration. He emphasized that the event is not only significant for Vietnam but also serves as inspiration for global struggles for independence, freedom, and social justice, including in Cuba.

He was deeply moved by the warm reception from the Vietnamese people and appreciated the valuable solidarity and support from Vietnam, especially in strategic areas such as rice production, food security, and renewable energy.

He commended the determination and efforts of Vietnamese enterprises investing in Cuba and pledged that Cuba would provide the necessary mechanisms and conditions for these businesses to expand.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the exemplary Vietnam - Cuba relationship. They agreed to increase high-level contacts, effectively implement bilateral agreements, and leverage cooperation mechanisms between their Parties and States.

They also agreed to expand exchanges and cooperation among political and social organizations, mass organizations, businesses, and citizens of both nations. Efforts will also be made to educate the younger generations about the special friendship between Vietnam and Cuba.

Tran Thuong - Pham Hai


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