Strengthening Close Bonds Between Vietnam and Cuba Through Art
	Vietnamese People Always Aspire to Live in A World of Peace, Democracy

Attending the ceremony were Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Rogelio Polanco Fuentes; Director of the Fidel Castro Ruz Center René González Barrios; Vice President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations Dong Huy Cuong; Permanent Vice President of the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Association Nguyen Viet Thao; along with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations, the Club of Vietnamese Alumni from Cuba, and the Vietnam Truong Son – Ho Chi Minh Trail Traditional Association, among others.

At the ceremony, delegates laid flowers and observed a minute of silence in memory of José Martí, a prominent thinker, cultural figure, and revolutionary leader of Cuba.

Permanent Vice President of the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Association Nguyen Viet Thao speaks at the memorial ceremony. (Photo: Huong Giang)

Speaking at the event, Permanent Vice President of the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Association Nguyen Viet Thao emphasized that the life and career of José Martí were closely tied to the aspiration for national independence, freedom, and solidarity among peace-loving nations. According to him, José Martí was a visionary thinker who early recognized the major transformations in the global situation at the end of the 19th century, while underscoring the importance of independence and self-reliance for nation-states.

He noted that José Martí’s ideas on peace, national sovereignty, and international solidarity continue to hold contemporary significance in today’s context. He also affirmed that the peoples of Vietnam and Cuba have always shared solidarity, loyalty, and sincere support for one another during difficult periods as well as in the ongoing cause of national construction and development.

Delegates pose for a commemorative photo. (Photo: Huong Giang)

Director of the Fidel Castro Ruz Center René González Barrios stressed that May 19 holds special significance for both Vietnam and Cuba, as it marks the birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh and the day José Martí sacrificed his life in the struggle for Cuba’s national independence.

According to René González Barrios, José Martí’s ideology became a spiritual foundation and a major source of inspiration for the Cuban Revolution, particularly for leader Fidel Castro. The values of independence, sovereignty protection, and internationalism left behind by José Martí continue to be inherited and promoted by generations of Cuban people.

He also expressed his appreciation for the Vietnamese people and affirmed that the special solidarity and friendship between the two countries will continue to be preserved and strengthened.

Delegates at the ceremony stated that the ideas of President Ho Chi Minh and José Martí continue to connect the peoples of Vietnam and Cuba, while inspiring the values of peace, justice, and solidarity among nations.

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