Sports Exchange Contributes to Enhance Vietnam-Cuba Friendship
	65 Years of Vietnam-Cuba Relations: Steadfast Friendship and a Shared Heartbeat

Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Rogelio Polanco Fuentes

How do you assess Vietnam's development achievements over the past 80 years?

Ambassador Rogelio Polanco Fuentes: Vietnam's historical journey from 1945 to the present is a testament to its remarkable will, creativity, and national solidarity, all of which have been guided by excellent leadership, headed by President Ho Chi Minh—the founder of modern Vietnam—and successive generations who have remained loyal to his legacy. For Vietnam, gaining independence, liberating the nation, unifying the country, and rebuilding a country devastated by war are great feats. The world has widely recognized Vietnam's impressive socio-economic achievements, along with its extraordinary ability to unite the nation and achieve ever greater goals.

The results of the Doi Moi process have transformed Vietnam's economic and social structure, bringing more progress and welfare to the people. This is admirable.

At the end of his second visit to Vietnam in 1995, Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro congratulated the Vietnamese people for their determination and courage. These qualities have shaped the country's path over the past 80 years. By preserving national sovereignty and constantly determined to build a peaceful country, Vietnam has sent a very strong message to all of humanity.

Cuba is proud to have Vietnam as a brotherly nation, a loyal friend and a close partner. The ideology and career of Uncle Ho and the heroic epic of the Vietnamese people still live forever in the generations of Cubans today. Fidel Castro and Cuba's promise to be willing to sacrifice their blood for Vietnam still echoes throughout the country.

On the 80th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's Declaration of Independence resounding at the historic Ba Dinh Square, we would like to send to the Party, State, Government and people of Vietnam the warm embrace of the Cuban people, along with the firm belief that Vietnam will continue to reap many successes.

How do you assess the fruitful relationship between Vietnam and Cuba? What have been the key milestones in the bilateral ties in recent times?

Ambassador Rogelio Polanco Fuentes: Vietnam and Cuba have long shared a traditional brotherly bond and a special solidarity, forged through their common struggles against imperialism and in pursuit of building socialism. This enduring relationship is a priceless asset, an exemplary model of people-to-people diplomacy that transcends geographical distance and the unique historical and cultural contexts of each nation.

The ideology and legacy of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz and President Ho Chi Minh laid the foundation for this profound connection, which has been nurtured over the decades by successive generations of leaders and citizens from both countries. It is our shared responsibility to preserve and strengthen this relationship, ensuring it continues to flourish for future generations. The year 2025 marks the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Year as our two nations celebrate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations, an occasion to honor such a legacy.

Many stories reflect the deep affection, trust, and enduring strength of the bilateral relationship between Vietnam and Cuba. The two sides continue to maintain political exchanges at high and all levels. In 2024, General Secretary and President of Vietnam, Comrade To Lam, paid an official visit to Cuba. Comrade Esteban Lazo, President of the Cuban National Assembly, also visited Hanoi to pay his respects to General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

Regarding economic cooperation, Vietnam is Cuba’s second-largest trading partner in Asia. Cuba has created special conditions and incentives for Vietnamese enterprises to invest in the country. A promising rice production project has received particular attention, contributing significantly to Cuba’s sovereignty and food security.

Looking ahead, Vietnam will implement important projects aimed at promoting the research, development, production, and commercialization of pharmaceutical and biotechnology products developed by Cuba. Joint cooperation in energy-related projects is also being actively advanced. Vietnamese enterprises and high-quality products in sectors such as textiles, footwear, fertilizers, household electrical appliances, IT equipment, solar panels, and electric or hybrid vehicles are being promoted for production and distribution in Cuba’s wholesale and retail markets.

Exchanges in artistic fields such as dance, fine arts, literature, cinema, and many others continue to be strengthened, enriching the cultural ties between Vietnam and Cuba. In the academic sphere, reciprocal university scholarship programs are well-maintained. This year, Cuba inaugurated two Research Groups, one at the Ñico López Party School and another at the University of La Habana, dedicated to studying the life and revolutionary career of the beloved leader Ho Chi Minh and about Vietnam. We also aspire to establish a Research Group in Vietnam focused on the legacy of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz.

What moved us most was the deep affection, admiration, and respect that we saw in every Vietnamese person when mentioning Cuba. This was reflected in the enthusiastic response to the recent campaign in support of Cuba, which deeply touched us. The events of the past few weeks would not have been possible without the heartfelt bond that unites our peoples. This campaign resonated deeply within the hearts of the Vietnamese people, demonstrating generosity, altruism and human values ​​for a country thousands of kilometers away.

What results do you expect from the visit to Vietnam of First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, President of the Republic of Cuba, Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, and his spouse?

Ambassador Rogelio Polanco Fuentes: This is the first time a high-ranking Cuban leader has visited the brotherly country of Vietnam in his capacity as First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President. Notably, Comrade Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez will visit Vietnam to participate in activities celebrating the 80th anniversary of the success of the August Revolution and Vietnam’s Independence Day on September 2.

First Secretary and President of Cuba Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez will hold talks with Vietnam’s top leaders and take part in various important activities aimed at strengthening the historic and special friendship and cooperation between the two countries. He will also attend the ceremony marking the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cuba and Vietnam.

The visit takes place as the relationship between the two countries continues to develop positively. The ties between the two Parties and the exchange of delegations at all levels remain active and growing. Economic, trade, cooperation, and investment relations have also entered a new phase, more comprehensive, more substantial, more effective, and more sustainable.

We believe this important visit will further contribute to consolidating and enhancing the close relationship between Cuba and Vietnam.

Thank you very much, Ambassador!

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