Fidel Castro's legacy remains profoundly relevant today

The seminar's primary academic mission was to conduct an in-depth analysis, systematize, and further elucidate the theoretical and practical values embodied in President Fidel Castro's ideological legacy. That legacy represents a creative and harmonious synthesis of Marxism-Leninism with the patriotic and progressive thought of Cuba's national hero José Martí, validated and affirmed through the dynamic realities of the Cuban Revolution and revolutionary movements across Latin America.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Manh Hung, Vice President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and Vice Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council speaks at the event. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Fidel Castro's ideas on building a strong Party rooted in the people, harnessing the strength of national unity, promoting culture and education as the spiritual foundation of society, and, above all, advocating for a just international order opposed to imperialism, continue to retain their contemporary significance.

Fidel's unwavering proletarian internationalism became a tremendous source of inspiration for oppressed peoples around the world. Tens of thousands of Cuban soldiers, doctors, and specialists traveled to Africa, Latin America, and Asia to assist friendly nations in achieving independence, building their countries, and protecting public health. Fidel Castro's noble ideals and indomitable spirit will forever remain a guiding light for progressive forces striving for peace, national independence, democracy, and social progress.

Birán laid the foundation for Fidel Castro's sense of justice and spirit of resistance

It is evident that Birán, Fidel Castro's birthplace, played a foundational and decisive role in shaping both his character and political thought.

Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Rogelio Polanco Fuentes speaks at the seminar. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

The rural environment, cultural diversity, social inequality, and the perseverance of his parents together established a strong foundation for his enduring sense of justice and spirit of resistance.

Nevertheless, although his family background and upbringing profoundly influenced him, it was ultimately his intellectual and political journey that forged his revolutionary class consciousness, transforming him into an exceptional leader whose influence transcended both his island homeland and the boundaries of his era.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Viet Thao, Former Vice President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and Standing Vice President of the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Association:

Vietnam held a special place in Fidel Castro's heart

Fidel Castro opened a new chapter in the history of national liberation movements in Cuba, Latin America, and around the world - a chapter defined by the struggle against neo-colonialism, the upholding of genuine internationalism, the pursuit of true national independence, the integration of national independence with socialism, and the affirmation of every nation's right to determine its own development path under a socialist orientation.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Viet Thao, Former Vice President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and Standing Vice President of the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Association speaks at the seminar. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Among the brotherly nations of the world, Vietnam occupied a special place in Fidel Castro's heart. He and the Cuban people closely followed developments in Vietnam's war of resistance day by day, shared every kilogram of sugar and every tablet of medicine, spoke out resolutely in defense of Vietnam at international forums, declared their readiness to shed blood alongside the Vietnamese people, and shared both tears and joy with Vietnam on the day of final victory.

The people and armed forces of Vietnam will never forget the image of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro - the first and only foreign head of state to visit the Quang Tri battlefield while the war was still raging. There, he raised high the flag of the National Liberation Front, encouraged Vietnamese troops to advance toward Saigon, and vowed to meet again on the day of ultimate victory.

Fidel Castro's contribution was not the transfer of a political model

Fidel Castro's principal contribution to the Bolivarian process was not the transfer of a political model, but rather the laying of the foundations for an independent system and the establishment of a strategic framework to strengthen the international influence of the Bolivarian Revolution.

Estela del Valle Quijada Suárez, Chargé d'Affaires of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in Vietnam speaks at the event. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

The institutionalization of mechanisms such as the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America-Peoples' Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) reflects a different vision of regional integration - one founded on solidarity, economic complementarity, and the protection of the peoples' right to self-determination, in contrast to integration initiatives driven primarily by market-oriented approaches.

The relationship between Fidel Castro and Hugo Chávez shaped a shared body of doctrine that influenced the formulation of policies aimed at strengthening people's power, promoting South-South cooperation, advancing regional integration, and safeguarding a multipolar international order.

Lieutenant General Le Phuc Nguyen, Member of the Standing Committee of the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Association:

Transforming solidarity into substantive and sustainable cooperation

Under current circumstances, Vietnam and Cuba need to translate their relationship of solidarity, friendship, selflessness, sincerity, and steadfast loyalty into strategic, practical, and sustainable actions.

Lieutenant General Le Phuc Nguyen, Member of the Standing Committee of the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Association, speaks at the event. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

As Cuba faces unprecedented difficulties and challenges in its history, Vietnam should support Cuba to ensure food security. This can be achieved by expanding cooperation projects in rice, maize, and aquaculture production, while transferring advanced agricultural technologies to Cuba. In the energy sector, Vietnam can share its experience and help attract investment in renewable energy infrastructure, including solar and wind power.

The two countries should promote substantive investment, shifting from a relationship based solely on assistance to one of mutually beneficial economic cooperation. They should maximize the benefits of the Vietnam-Cuba Trade Agreement to increase bilateral trade turnover while addressing obstacles related to international payment mechanisms.

It is also necessary to organize youth forums, international summer camps, and competitions on Vietnam-Cuba relations on a regular basis so that younger generations gain a deeper understanding of, and continue to cherish and preserve, the close and enduring friendship between the peoples of the two countries.