Strengthening the special solidarity between Vietnam and Cuba

On October 3, President of the Cuban National Assembly Esteban Lazo Hernández and a high-ranking delegation attended a meeting with leaders of the Union of Friendship Organizations and the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Association of Ho Chi Minh City.

President of the Cuban National Assembly Esteban Lazo Hernández and Head of the National Assembly Delegation of Ho Chi Minh City Nguyen Van Loi at the meeting

Speaking at the meeting, Head of the National Assembly Delegation of Ho Chi Minh City Nguyen Van Loi emphasized that after 65 years, the Vietnam - Cuba relationship still retains the value of a rare friendship, becoming an ideal model of international friendship. The Head of the National Assembly Delegation of the city recalled the immortal saying of Leader Fidel Castro: "For Vietnam, Cuba is willing to sacrifice its blood", considering it the deepest proof of the loyal and pure affection that the Cuban people have for Vietnam.

According to the Head of the City National Assembly Delegation, the living proof of that solidarity is not only in historical memory, but also imprinted on each generation of Vietnamese people. Many generations of 7X, 8X still have traces of vaccinations with vaccines researched by Cuban scientists - the vaccine that saved millions of lives, protecting an entire generation from epidemics. That small scar has become a sacred symbol of brotherly solidarity.

Head of the National Assembly Delegation of Ho Chi Minh City Nguyen Van Loi

The city has implemented many specific activities to foster the Vietnam-Cuba friendship. Last July, the “Sun Without Borders” program was organized to celebrate the 72nd anniversary of the Moncada Uprising, initiating a project to build solar power systems in Cuban primary schools.

On September 26, the city also organized a special friendly football match with the theme “65 years of Vietnam – Cuba friendship”, along with fundraising campaigns in offices and schools. The image of primary school students collecting lucky money to give to Cuban friends left many emotions.

The Head of the City's National Assembly Delegation affirmed that the Vietnamese people will always stand shoulder to shoulder with the Cuban people, sharing the good times and bad, and believes that Cuba, under the leadership of the Communist Party, will overcome difficulties and gain many new achievements.

President of the Vietnam - Cuba Friendship Association of Ho Chi Minh City Truong Thi Hien speaks

President of the Vietnam – Cuba Friendship Association in Ho Chi Minh City Truong Thi Hien emphasized that despite being half a world apart, the people of the two countries are always proud of the special relationship founded by President Ho Chi Minh and leader Fidel Castro. On that foundation, the Vietnam – Cuba friendship has become an exemplary symbol of international solidarity.

In recent years, the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations and the Vietnam - Cuba Friendship Association have closely coordinated with the Cuban Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City to organize many practical activities: Rallies to celebrate major holidays of Cuba; launching a painting contest for children, promoting the image of Cuba to the city's residents; mobilizing the construction of solar power systems in schools...

These activities not only contribute to strengthening solidarity but also help the young generation of Vietnam better understand the value of the special relationship. On that basis, the cooperation between the Vietnam - Cuba Friendship Association of Ho Chi Minh City and the Cuban Consulate General promises to be increasingly strong and effective, contributing to enriching the relationship between the two peoples.

Speaking at the meeting, President of the Cuban National Assembly Esteban Lazo Hernández thanked the leaders and people of Ho Chi Minh City for their warm welcome. He also expressed his condolences for the damage Vietnam has just suffered due to the major storm in the Central region, expressing his belief that the Vietnamese people will soon overcome the consequences of the natural disaster.

President of the Cuban National Assembly Esteban Lazo Hernández

The President of the Cuban National Assembly was moved by the solidarity and support movements for Cuba launched by Vietnam. On the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, the Vietnamese people donated over 14 million USD to support Cuba. This contribution was used for urgent needs, from power transmission equipment to items serving people's lives. The President of the Cuban National Assembly also appreciated humanitarian initiatives such as the project to install solar power systems to light up classrooms in remote areas of Cuba.

The President of the Cuban National Assembly said that in the period of 3/2024 - 2/2025, the economic damage caused by the embargo is estimated at about 7.5 billion USD, causing Cuba to face difficulties in energy, healthcare, fuel, and milk for children. In that context, Vietnam's companionship and sharing become even more meaningful. The President of the Cuban National Assembly emphasized: "Solidarity is not only friendship, but also the willingness to share what you have when your friends are in more difficult situations."

Delegates take photos at the meeting

Delegates also affirmed that continuing to expand cooperation in agriculture, health, education and training, youth exchanges, etc. will be an important driving force to foster Vietnam-Cuba solidarity. On this occasion, Cuba wishes to join Vietnam in organizing a series of activities to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of leader Fidel Castro (August 13, 1926 - August 13, 2026), in order to further spread the symbol of peace, justice and international solidarity.

The meeting in Ho Chi Minh City ended with the firm belief that the special Vietnam-Cuba relationship – a priceless legacy cultivated by President Ho Chi Minh and Leader Fidel Castro – will last forever and continue to be preserved and developed by present and future generations.

Source: https://daibieunhandan.vn/that-chat-tinh-doan-ket-dac-biet-viet-nam-cuba-10389088.html