Vietnam-Cuba Foster Special Ties from Spirit of Girón

	Cuba Accompanies Vietnam on the Path of Development
	Vietnam - Cuba: Strong Bond Over 65 Years

Attending the program were Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Rogelio Polanco Fuentes and his spouse; Le Quang Hoa, Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and Vice Chairman of the Hung Yen Provincial People’s Committee; Dong Huy Cuong, Vice President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations; Phuong Song Lien, Vice President of the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Association; along with representatives of provincial departments and agencies of Hung Yen, and numerous staff members of the Cuban Embassy in Vietnam, Cuban students and experts in Vietnam, and members of the Vietnam-Cuba alumni club.

A cultural performance at the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Meeting. (Photo: Van Ban)

Speaking at the event, Le Quang Hoa stated that Vietnam-Cuba relations are a special relationship built on a foundation of solidarity, trust, and mutual support throughout history. In the current context, the two countries continue to promote substantive cooperation across multiple fields, particularly in healthcare and pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and investment, contributing to deepening bilateral ties.

Recalling the events of April 19, 1961, Le Quang Hoa emphasized that the Victory of Girón stands as a brilliant milestone in Cuba’s history, reflecting the revolutionary heroism and indomitable will of the Cuban people, while also serving as a powerful source of inspiration for national liberation movements around the world, including Vietnam.

He underscored that the Vietnamese people always cherish and remember Cuba’s valuable support and assistance during the struggle for the liberation of the South and national reunification, while reaffirming their unwavering solidarity with the Cuban people in their current efforts to build and defend the nation.

He expressed confidence that, with resilience and strong determination, the Cuban people will continue to overcome difficulties and challenges and successfully achieve their development goals.

Le Quang Hoa, Vice Chairman of the Hung Yen Provincial People’s Committee, speaks at the program. (Photo: Van Ban)

Regarding local cooperation, he noted that Hung Yen has been reorganized since July 1, 2025, thereby expanding its development space, strengthening infrastructure connectivity, and creating room to attract resources. With its location in the center of the Red River Delta, within the northern key economic region, and with a continually improving investment environment, the province is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for both domestic and foreign investors.

He also noted that Hung Yen has a longstanding tradition of ties with Cuba, exemplified by Duc Hop commune - one of the earliest localities to develop a solidarity movement with the Cuban people and to welcome numerous Cuban delegations. On that basis, the province stands ready to expand cooperation with Cuban localities, agencies, and enterprises in areas such as healthcare, education and training, sports, agriculture, industry, and tourism, while expressing its hope to continue receiving support from the Cuban Embassy in Vietnam in fostering connections and promoting cooperation.

Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Rogelio Polanco Fuentes speaks at the program. (Photo: Van Ban)

Speaking at the event, Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Rogelio Polanco Fuentes stated that the Victory of Girón 65 years ago remains one of the greatest milestones in the history of the Cuban Revolution. Quoting Leader Fidel Castro’s statement that “from Girón, socialism was placed on a solid foundation,” the Ambassador emphasized that this victory served as a powerful encouragement for movements fighting for independence and freedom worldwide.

Addressing the current situation, the Ambassador noted that Cuba is facing numerous challenges due to economic blockade and embargo policies, which have impacted people’s daily lives. Nevertheless, inspired by the spirit of the Victory of Girón, the Cuban people continue to promote national unity, strive to overcome difficulties, maintain essential services, and advance socio-economic development.

Ambassador Rogelio Polanco Fuentes expressed deep appreciation for the consistent support of the Party, State, and people of Vietnam over the years, noting that it has been a significant source of political, spiritual, and material encouragement. He stressed that Vietnam’s experience in struggle and nation-building stands as clear evidence of the truth that when a nation is determined to safeguard its independence and sovereignty, no external force can subdue it.

According to Phuong Song Lien, Vice President of the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Association, for the Vietnamese people, the Victory of Girón carries profound significance, symbolizing the shared empathy between two nations geographically distant yet united by a common aspiration for freedom and an indomitable spirit.

She emphasized that during the most intense years of Vietnam’s war, Cuba always stood side by side with Vietnam with special, steadfast, and loyal affection. Leader Fidel Castro’s statement, “For Vietnam, Cuba is willing to shed even its own blood,” has become a vivid symbol of the rare and sincere international solidarity between nations.

In the current stage of development, Vietnam-Cuba relations are not only grounded in historical foundations but are also continuously nurtured through substantive and effective cooperation across various fields, including economy, trade, healthcare, education, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges.

In recent years, cooperation between the two countries has achieved notable results, particularly in agriculture, energy, consumer goods production, and biotechnology. Both sides have promoted joint research and technology transfer in vaccine and pharmaceutical production, contributing to public healthcare and enhancing capacity for ensuring food security.

Delegates pose for a commemorative photo. (Photo: Van Ban)

According to her, the program was not only an opportunity to revisit an important historical event but also an event to convey a message to the younger generation about the responsibility to preserve and promote the special friendship between Vietnam and Cuba in the new context.

As part of the program, artistic performances vividly recreated the spirit of solidarity and friendship between Vietnam and Cuba.

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