Cuban Ambassador to Viet Nam Rogelio Polanco Fuentes. (Photo: Prensa Latina)

He said: The enduring vitality and longevity of the friendship between the peoples of Viet Nam and Cuba are rooted in the profound similarities in the ideals that have guided the two nations’ struggles for independence, national liberation and socialist construction. This friendship has also been built on the mutual trust fostered by President Ho Chi Minh and Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro. This valuable legacy has continued to be preserved and nurtured by successive generations of leaders and peoples of the two countries. Viet Nam-Cuba friendship has also been strengthened through acts of solidarity and practical support for the benefit of the peoples of both countries. This spirit has always been preserved and promoted, even in the most difficult moments, without regard for sacrifice or risk.

Cuban leader Fidel Castro raises the traditional flag of the Khe Sanh Unit of the Tri Thien-Hue Liberation Army during his visit to the liberated areas of southern Viet Nam in Quang Tri Province in September 1973. (Photo: VNA)

- Your Excellency, what should the orientations and policies for developing people-to-people diplomacy between the two countries do to meet the requirements of the current context?

- The world is going through a period in which peace and international security face serious risks. The independence, sovereignty and right to self-determination of nations are confronted with major challenges. In this context, people-to-people diplomacy is a very important factor in continuing to strengthen trust and enhance bonds between peoples.

Relations among political parties, states and governments are nurtured through exchanges among peoples, as well as cultural and social activities across various fields. At the same time, maintaining and promoting connections among organizations, friendship associations, localities and communities plays an important role in expanding and deepening relations between countries.

The people-to-people diplomacy of our two countries needs to continuously innovate and implement initiatives to strengthen bonds between peoples. Through these efforts, people in each country will have greater opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of each other’s history, culture and identity.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Cuba Le Quang Long visits the Viet Nam-Cuba Cooperation Project on Rice Production Development in Calimete District, Matanzas Province, Cuba, in June 2025. (Photo: Embassy of Viet Nam in Cuba)

When peoples of different countries strengthen exchanges and mutual understanding and build trust on the basis of understanding and mutual respect; when each nation can empathize with and act for another nation as it would for its own, relations between countries will be elevated to a new level. That is the strategic significance of people-to-people diplomacy.

- What role do you expect the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations to play in the coming period?

- During the 2026-2031 term, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations will undertake a major responsibility: accompanying the Vietnamese people in the process of achieving the goals set by the Party and State for the coming period.

We are confident that people-to-people diplomacy will continue to play a proactive and creative role, accompanying the country’s process of international integration and development in the new era. In doing so, it will contribute to enhancing Viet Nam’s position, spreading the values shaped by the country’s glorious history and socio-economic development achievements, and improving the material and spiritual well-being of the people.

- In your view, what should the younger generations of Viet Nam and Cuba do to carry forward the friendship between the two nations?

- For the younger generations of Viet Nam and Cuba, the special relationship, traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations must continue to be a source of pride and a responsibility to preserve and promote. This is also a way to carry forward the valuable legacy left by previous generations of leaders.

It is important to continue writing new chapters in the history of Viet Nam-Cuba friendship through practical cooperation initiatives that are appropriate to the needs and development conditions of each period.

Vietnamese hat dance performed by students of Vo Thi Thang Primary School in Havana at a ceremony marking the 65th anniversary of the establishment of Viet Nam-Cuba diplomatic relations, held in Mayabeque Province, Cuba, on December 2, 2025. (Photo: Embassy of Viet Nam in Cuba)

– Thank you very much, Ambassador!

Quang Tri Preserves Memories of Cuban Leader Fidel Castro On the occasion of the 100th birth anniversary of Cuban leader Fidel Castro (August 13, 1926–August 13, 2026), memories of his historic visit to the liberated area of Quang Tri in 1973 are being recalled. More than half a century later, the special bond forged at that time remains alive in the memories of local people and through monuments that bear witness to Vietnam-Cuba friendship.

“Two Vietnamese Friends Devoted to Fostering Vietnam-Cuba Friendship” For many years, Phuong Song Lien has brought together Vietnamese people who once studied in Cuba, introduced the country, its people and bilateral relations, and mobilized solidarity and support for Cuba. Nguyen Xuan Phong has directly engaged in foreign affairs, interpretation, introduced Vietnam in Cuba, and preserved materials documenting the relationship between the two countries. The Cuban State has awarded the Friendship Medal to Lien and Phong in recognition of these contributions.