Vietnam-Cuba exemplary, loyal, rare relationship - most valuable asset of two countries: diplomat
Vietnamese Ambassador to Cuba Le Quang Long expressed confidence that, with a solid political foundation, growing momentum in economic, trade and investment cooperation, and support from new collaborative mechanisms, the Vietnam–Cuba relationship will continue to enter a phase of more effective, practical and sustainable development.
The exemplary, loyal and rare relationship stands as the greatest achievement and most valuable asset that Vietnam and Cuba have built over the past 65 years, said Vietnamese Ambassador to Cuba Le Quang Long.
In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) ahead of the 65th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties (December 2, 1960 – 2025), the diplomat said the relationship is distinguished above all by unwavering loyalty and unconditional solidarity.
He noted that initiatives such as the “65 Years of Vietnam–Cuba Friendship” campaign, which drew enthusiastic participation from millions of Vietnamese, offer vivid proof of that bond.
That relationship is also strategic and has continued to evolve vigorously through each stage, he continued.
From standing shoulder-to-shoulder in the struggle for national liberation to building socialism, the two countries have weathered countless challenges together. Today, Vietnam and Cuba are transitioning their cooperation model from one grounded primarily in solidarity and ideological support to more substantive, mutually beneficial development - a shift that reflects the new level of their partnership in an era of integration and reform.
Vietnam–Cuba ties have also become increasingly comprehensive and effective, the diplomat said, elaborating that the relationship between the two Parties remains a solid political foundation, while cooperation in diplomacy and defense–security serves as a key pillar. Economic, trade and investment cooperation has emerged as the main driver of bilateral growth, and people-to-people exchanges are becoming more vibrant, deepening the bond between the two nations.
The decision by both countries to designate 2025 as the “Vietnam–Cuba Friendship Year” reflects the highest-level political commitment to further deepen their traditional, special, loyal relationship.
Recalling Party General Secretary To Lam’s state visit to Cuba in September 2024, Long said it was truly a historic milestone that opened a new phase in the countries’ special friendship.
The visit not only strengthened political trust and the close bond between the two Parties and States but also laid the groundwork for a new cooperation model -shifting from “aid and supply” to “mutually beneficial partnership” based on each side’s strengths and needs.
In this new phase, economic, trade and investment cooperation should become the central driver, he suggested, adding agriculture and food security, health care and biotechnology, and renewable energy can serve as key engines, with agriculture taking top priority.
According to the diplomat, Vietnamese enterprises’ rice cultivation projects in Cuba have delivered highly positive results, with strong yields and demonstrable efficiency, directly contributing to Cuba’s food-security goals. Health care and biotechnology also hold substantial potential, as both sides possess distinct strengths. Meanwhile, renewable energy, especially solar power projects that Vietnamese firms are implementing at the Mariel Special Development Zone and in many other localities, is making a meaningful contribution to Cuba’s sustainable development strategy.
He suggested that the two sides continue to expand trade and investment cooperation in a more substantive and balanced manner, according to VNA.
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| Party General Secretary To Lam (left) chairs the official welcome ceremony for First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of Cuba Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, who is on a state visit to Vietnam from August 31 to September 2, 2025. (Photo: VNA) |
The goal of raising bilateral trade to 500 million USD over the next five years is entirely achievable if both countries strengthen trade promotion, diversify products, and further leverage the potential of the Mariel Special Development Zone, he stressed.
Vietnam is currently the leading Asian foreign investor there, with seven projects to date. In the coming period, Vietnamese firms could further expand in areas such as industrial infrastructure, construction materials, consumer goods and clean energy — sectors that align with Cuba’s development needs while delivering practical economic benefits for Vietnamese investors.
Alongside this, finalizing the legal framework and strengthening mechanisms to support cooperation remain crucial, he said.
Long emphasized that Vietnam is always ready to share experiences from its Doi Moi (Renewal) process, while also seeking to learn from Cuba’s achievements in fields like biotechnology, health care and education.
He expressed confidence that, with a solid political foundation, growing momentum in economic, trade and investment cooperation, and support from new collaborative mechanisms, the Vietnam–Cuba relationship will continue to enter a phase of more effective, practical and sustainable development, worthy of the special, loyal and pure friendship between the two fraternal nations.
Vietnam reaffirms commitment to promoting peace, stability and Asia-Europe cooperation
A delegation of the Party organization of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Bui Le Thai, Vietnamese Ambassador to Hungary, attended the sixth Asia-Europe Political Forum (AEPF), themed “Peace and Democracy in Eurasia,” in Budapest, Hungary from November 27 to 29.
During discussions, political parties noted that the global situation remains highly complex, profoundly affecting domestic political landscapes in many countries and exerting wide-ranging impacts on international cooperation. Europe, in particular, is facing mounting challenges stemming from ongoing geopolitical developments in the region.
With a view to enhancing dialogue and building confidence, delegates highly valued the AEPF’s role as a bridge promoting Asia–Europe cooperation, strengthening mutual trust, and laying foundations for peace, stability, cooperation and democracy across the two continents.
They also acknowledged the efforts of the Standing Committee of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) and members of the European Parliament (EP) in further boosting cooperation, exchanges and initiatives that uphold fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter, grounded in mutual respect, respect for international law and mutually beneficial cooperation.
Within the framework of the sixth AEPF, Hungary’s ruling FIDESZ party, as the host of the meeting, initiated the idea of organizing a thematic session titled “Promoting Dialogue and Cooperation – Meeting of Research Institutions,” aimed at establishing a cooperation mechanism among research institutes and policy advisory organizations of political parties from AEPF member countries.
In his speech at the plenary session, Ambassador Bui Le Thai welcomed the forum’s theme and shared views on the impacts of the global situation on countries’ prospects for sustainable development, as well as the challenges confronting multilateral cooperation, reported VOV.
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| Ambassador Bui Le Thai (front row) speaks at the sixth Asia–Europe Political Forum in Hungary. (Photo: VNA) |
He stressed that peace, stability and cooperation are not only shared aspirations of humankind but also essential prerequisites for sustainable development and the safeguarding of genuine democracy.
He called on countries to continue upholding the principle of settling differences through peaceful means, via dialogue, mutual understanding and respect for international law.
The ambassador also underscored that Vietnam highly values ICAPP’s role in promoting dialogue among political parties in Asia and in strengthening and cultivating an interregional environment conducive to policy dialogue and exchanges.
On this occasion, he provided an overview of Vietnam’s policy on building a socialist democracy and achievements in ensuring human rights over nearly 40 years of carrying out the Doi Moi (Renewal) process.
He highlighted Vietnam’s election to the UN Human Rights Council for the 2026-2028 term as vivid testimony to international recognition and confidence in the country’s development achievements, efforts to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its people, and positive contributions to the advancement of democracy and social progress worldwide.
During the forum, the head of the Vietnamese delegation held bilateral meetings with numerous international partners to discuss measures to bolster cooperation in the time ahead.
The Chair of the Hungarian National Assembly’s Foreign Affairs Committee expressed the hope that cooperation between the two ruling parties and the two governments would continue to deepen and expand in the coming period.
ICAPP leaders voiced their expectation that Vietnam would maintain its active contributions to augmenting cooperation between ICAPP and AEPF member parties, helping to drive forward interregional co-operation and enhance an effective environment of peace, stability and shared prosperity globally, particularly for the people of the Asia-Europe continent.
Vietnam - Laos comprehensive cooperation is invaluable asset: Lao official
Member of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and Standing Deputy Head of its Commission for Propaganda and Training Laopaosong Navongxay has hailed the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam as an invaluable asset forged in shared sacrifice, tempered by time and now stronger than ever.
Talking with the Vietnam News Agency ahead of Party General Secretary To Lam’s December 1–2 state visit to Vientiane where he and his spouse will join a high-ranking delegation at a rally and parade marking the 50th anniversary of Laos’ National Day at the invitation of LPRP General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith, Navongxay said over the past five decades of national construction and defense since Laos’ founding, the LPRP and the Communist Party of Vietnam have worked closely together, shared experience and supported each other across every domain.
Vietnam, he said, has been not only a friend and comrade, but also a reliable partner standing with Laos through its most difficult times as well as in its current development path.
Navongxay singled out personnel training as a standout pillar: generations of Lao leaders and key officials have trained in Vietnam in everything from political theory, economics and diplomacy to national defense-security, science and engineering. This, he said, provides vivid evidence of the trust, attachment and strong cooperation between the two Parties, and Vietnam’s practical and effective contribution to Laos’ long-term development.
Beyond education and training, ties between the two Parties, States and peoples have been maintained through regular high-level visits and exchanges at various levels and sectors. Vietnam has provided substantial non-refundable aid for important projects in Laos, spurring socio-economic development, especially in disadvantaged localities, with roads, schools, hospitals, training centers and agro-forestry zones funded by Vietnam now delivering direct benefits to Lao communities nationwide.
In health care and education, Vietnamese-built facilities in mountainous and border provinces, coupled with dispatched doctors and teachers, have markedly raised service quality in underserved areas, VNA reported.
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| Member of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and Standing Deputy Head of its Commission for Propaganda and Training Laopaosong Navongxay (Photo: VNA) |
Above all, both Parties, States and peoples share a profound sense of duty to preserve and nurture this unique relationship, a common asset and a sacred legacy built by predecessors that today’s generations are obliged to protect and elevate, he said.
He expressed full confidence that the upcoming resolutions of Laos’ 12th and Vietnam’s 14th Party Congresses will steer even tighter leadership coordination, translating into deeper, more substantive and effective cooperation across the board.
Looking forward, both sides remain committed to realizing the wide-ranging strategic agreements reached between the two Politburos, he added.
He highlighted the growing flow of Vietnamese students to Laos and Lao students to Vietnam as a vital channel not only for professional advancement but for passing the torch of unique, pure and loyal bilateral friendship to the next generation.
The overriding priority, he stressed, is sustained education and outreach so that every stratum of society, especially the youth who will steer both nations’ futures, fully values, respects and carries forward this special bond.
On the occasion, he conveyed his heartfelt thanks to the Vietnamese Party, State and people for their longstanding, sincere and effective support for their Lao counterparts. He voiced firm belief their great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation will enable both countries to surmount all challenges together, achieve common prosperity and further solidify their exemplary fraternal ties.
Storm Koto crawls across East Sea, weakens before reaching Central Vietnam
Storm Koto, the 15th storm of the year, is making a sluggish move in the East Sea, forecast to weaken before hitting Central Vietnam.
According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, as of 7 a.m. on November 30, the storm's center was located in the northwestern part of the central East Sea. The maximum sustained winds near the eye reached level 9 (75–88 km/h), with gusts up to level 11.
The storm is currently drifting north-northeast at about 3km/h.
Forecasts indicate that today the storm will continue slowly moving toward the northeast and then north. By December 2, it may shift southwest, heading toward the coastal waters off the South Central region of Vietnam while gradually weakening.
In the next 24 hours, the storm is expected to maintain a northern path at around 3km/h with minimal change in strength. By 7 a.m. on December 1, the storm's center will still be in the northwestern part of the central East Sea, roughly 320 kilometers east of the coastal provinces of Gia Lai and Dak Lak (formerly within Binh Dinh–Phu Yen). Wind speeds are forecast to remain at level 9 with gusts at level 11.
Over the following 24 hours, the storm will veer southwest at approximately 5km/h, and its intensity will gradually diminish. By 7 a.m. on December 2, it will be about 220 kilometers east of the same coastal region, with wind strength reduced to level 8 and gusts to level 10.
Within the next 24 hours, the storm will continue west-southwest at 5–7km/h and weaken further into a tropical depression. By 7 a.m. on December 3, the tropical depression will be positioned in the waters off Gia Lai to Khanh Hoa, about 100 kilometers east of the coast, with wind speeds near the center at level 6 and gusts at level 8.
From 72 to 96 hours from now, the tropical depression is expected to move west-southwest at around 10km/h, make landfall in the South Central region, and degrade into a low-pressure zone, cited VNN.
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| Projected path of Storm Koto as of the morning of November 30. Source: NCHMF |
Due to the storm’s influence, the northwestern area of the central East Sea will experience strong winds at level 7. Areas closer to the eye of the storm will see winds at levels 8–9 with gusts up to level 11. Sea waves could reach 3–5 meters in height, and up to 5–7 meters near the center, causing extremely rough sea conditions.
Vessels operating in these hazardous waters are at risk of encountering thunderstorms, whirlwinds, strong winds, and large waves.
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