Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations - ICAP Pioneer to Deepen Vietnam-Cuba Bonds
	Vietnam - Cuba: Strong Bond Over 65 Years

At the meeting, Deputy Head of Mission Joy Puentes Saldise expressed his delight at the close and effective cooperation between the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), and the Cuban Embassy in Viet Nam. He described this as an important foundation for promoting friendship and cooperation between the peoples of the two countries over the past decades.

Dong Huy Cuong, Vice President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, receives Joy Puentes Saldise, Deputy Head of Mission of Cuba to Viet Nam. (Photo: Huong Giang)

Reviewing his four-year tenure in Viet Nam, the Deputy Head of Mission noted that bilateral cooperation between the Parties, States, and peoples of the two countries has become increasingly deeper, more practical, and more effective. Even during the Covid-19 pandemic, the two sides maintained exchanges and coordination in organizing various activities, including high-level leaders’ phone talks, online and in-person seminars and conferences, exchanges of delegations at all levels, and the signing of numerous cooperation agreements between ministries, sectors, and localities of both countries. On that basis, the two sides expressed their expectation to implement more practical cooperation plans in the coming time.

On this occasion, the Deputy Head of Mission thanked the leadership of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations and its Americas Department for their close support and effective coordination in organizing a series of activities commemorating the 65th anniversary of the establishment of Viet Nam-Cuba diplomatic relations in 2025, the Viet Nam-Cuba Friendship Year. He emphasized the role and contributions of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations and the Viet Nam-Cuba Friendship Association in the success of the solidarity program in support of Cuba, “65 Years of Brotherhood,” viewing it as vivid evidence of the traditional friendship and special solidarity between the two nations.

He affirmed that the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations serves as an important bridge promoting people-to-people exchanges as well as cooperation among businesses and localities of the two countries. He also shared information about activities commemorating the 100th birth anniversary of revolutionary leader Fidel Castro Ruz and plans for high-level delegation exchanges between the two countries in 2026.

Dong Huy Cuong congratulated the Deputy Head of Mission and acknowledged his positive contributions to enhancing mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries and promoting bilateral cooperation. He thanked him for his close coordination with the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations and the Viet Nam-Cuba Friendship Association in carrying out people-to-people diplomatic activities, especially on the occasion of high-level visits by leaders of the two countries.

Affirming that ICAP and the Cuban Embassy in Viet Nam are important partners, Dong Huy Cuong stressed that Viet Nam-Cuba relations are a special fraternal bond built upon the deep affection of the leaders and peoples of both countries. He expressed his confidence that under the leadership of the Communist Party of Cuba, the Cuban people will overcome all difficulties and challenges, and reaffirmed that Viet Nam always cherishes and remains grateful for the valuable solidarity and support that Cuba has extended to Viet Nam.

Dong Huy Cuong expressed his hope to further promote the bridging role between ICAP, the Cuban Embassy, and Vietnamese partners, especially in advancing cooperation between localities of the two countries. He voiced his belief that in any position, Deputy Head of Mission Joy Puentes Saldise will continue to contribute to the friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Viet Nam and Cuba. He wished the Deputy Head of Mission and his family good health and success in his new assignment, and an enjoyable experience celebrating the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026 in Viet Nam.

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