International Media Highlight Vietnam’s Fundraising Campaign for Cuba

	Cuban President Expresses Gratitude for Support from the Vietnamese People
	Vietnam - Cuba: A Bond Since the Early Days of Hardship

In an article published on August 19, The New York Times reported that Vietnam’s fundraising drive for Cuba was launched on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The story opened with the example of a 33-year-old Vietnamese woman named Dinh Hien Mo, who learned about the campaign through a social media post. She recalled reading moving stories about Vietnam and Cuba during the years when Vietnam faced hardship. During the difficult wartime period, Cuba extended significant support to Vietnam, building hospitals, sending skilled doctors, and providing sugarcane and livestock. Touched by this history of friendship, she decided to contribute VND 500,000 from her family’s modest grocery shop income to help Cuba overcome current difficulties.

President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee Do Van Chien and delegates launch the program. (Photo: Vietnam Fatherland Front)

The New York Times noted that Dinh Hien Mo’s contribution became part of a broader wave of solidarity from Vietnamese people in a campaign organized by the Vietnam Red Cross Society. Within just the first week, the campaign raised more than USD 13 million - far surpassing the organizers’ expectations.

According to the article, for many in both Cuba and Vietnam, these donations revived memories of a time of shared solidarity, when the two nations fought under the revolutionary banner for independence.

In recent years, Vietnamese economic experts have frequently traveled to Havana to share experiences. However, the US embargo, in place since 1962, continues to impose heavy constraints on Cuba, leaving many sectors of its economy struggling. Vietnam has long called for the lifting of the embargo while simultaneously stepping up support for Havana, particularly through rice aid.

The US newspaper assessed that this grassroots campaign in Vietnam represents a genuine people-to-people connection between the two nations. More than 1.7 million donations were recorded, ranging from as little as VND 10,000 to much larger sums, all dedicated to the Cuban people.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez expressed gratitude on social media platform X, calling the campaign “an act of love” from “a hardworking, heroic people who rose after many wars and are now admired worldwide for their sustainable development.”

Speaking with The New York Times, Dinh Hien Mo shared: “I know Vietnam’s support won’t be enough to solve everything, but I hope it can help in some way. And I hope Cuba’s economy improves so its people can have better lives.”

On the same day, Granma, the official newspaper of the Communist Party of Cuba, ran an article titled “Millions of Dollars Raised in Vietnam’s Campaign to Support Cuba.” Citing data from the Vietnam Red Cross, it reported that by 11 a.m. on August 19, a total of VND 341.1 billion (about USD 13.12 million) had been raised - five times the original target. Among the donations was one from the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Hospital in Dong Hoi (Quang Binh), one of five hospitals sponsored by Fidel Castro during his visit to Vietnam in 1973.

On August 18, the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) also launched its initiative under the theme “65 Years of Vietnam-Cuba Solidarity”, in response to the Red Cross campaign.

Granma quoted VNA General Director Vu Viet Trang as affirming the special relationship between the two countries: “This partnership has become a model symbol of international solidarity, enduring the test of time and hardships.” The article also recalled Fidel Castro’s famous declaration: “For Vietnam, Cuba is ready to shed its blood!” - a testament to unwavering friendship deeply cherished by the Vietnamese people.

Earlier, on August 15, Peoples Dispatch (India) reported on popular movements in India and Vietnam commemorating the 99th birth anniversary of Fidel Castro, alongside fundraising activities in support of the Cuban people.

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