Việt Nam treasures special relations with Cuba

Vietnam and Cuba have a very special relationship. The two countries are both comrades and brothers. The cohesion of revolutionary ideals, and the fight for national independence and liberation has created empathy and understanding between the two peoples from halfway around the world.

Great sentiments have been nurtured throughout 60 years of ups and downs of the two countries individual histories, even going beyond limits and common rules in international relations.

Vietnam and Cuba share similarities in their key events throughout history, which not only changed the destiny of each country but also created a great source of encouragement for the uprising of oppressed peoples from around the world.

Cuba also had a glorious victory on January 1, 1959, which was considered one of the most influential events in Latin America in the 20th century, causing many changes in the regional political situation.

Overcoming geographical distance and difficult circumstances, Cuba has stood shoulder to shoulder with Vietnam, always supporting the Vietnamese people as a sincere friend and a trusted comrade.

During the period of resistance war against the US for national salvation, Cuba was always at the forefront of the international movement to support Vietnam, and the first country in the world to recognise the National Liberation Front for South Vietnam

There is no other country in the world like Cuba, where there are thousands of factories, schools and neighbourhoods named after places and anti-US heroes of Vietnam.

Fidel’s immortal saying “For Vietnam, we are willing to give even our own blood” this message has always stayed in the hearts of the Vietnamese people.

At a critical time in the struggle of the Vietnamese people, Fidel turned his foreign trips into campaigns to encourage the government and people of the countries to unite and support Vietnam against the US invasion.

The Vietnamese people never forget Cuban cadres, experts and workers who came to Vietnam during the intense and dangerous time of the war.

Not only having stood by Vietnam during the wartime, Cuba also stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Vietnam in the cause of national construction and development.

As a brother, Vietnam always attaches great importance to the solidarity and cooperation shared with Cuba.

The two countries have maintained regular high-level visits and meetings in order to assess the development of bilateral relations, as well as discuss new directions.

It can be affirmed that there are many factors for Vietnam and Cuba to further nurture and develop their bilateral relations.

Both countries are aware of the opportunity and the need to stand side by side in international forums, protect the basic principles of the UN Charter and international law, and protect the rights and interests of small countries in the complicated geopolitical area where there can be intervention and imposition from big countries.

Both Vietnam and Cuba agreed to assess the two countries as important economic partners.

Vietnam has become Cuba's second largest trading partner in Asia and Oceania and is Cuba's main rice supplier. In addition, Vietnam has also supported Cuba to develop its rice production to help the country gradually ensure stability.

Vietnam and Cuba also firmly believe in a bright future for each country and the special relationship that the two Parties and peoples shared over the past six decades.

We believe in the strong vitality of the slogan that has accompanied and energised the two countries on every journey: Vietnam - Cuba! Unity will certainly win!

Việt Nam is willing to stand with Cuba during the process of the Updating of the Cuban Social and Economic Model and share its successes and shortcomings during the process of renewal over the past 35 years.