Promoting the traditional solidarity and special friendship between Vietnam and Cuba

As this is the first visit to Cuba by Party General Secretary and President To Lam after being elected as the head of the Vietnamese Party and State, this visit demonstrates his high regard for Cuba and the Vietnam-Cuba relationship.

The traditional solidarity and special friendship between Vietnam and Cuba is a precious heritage which is highly valued by the parties, states, and peoples of the two countries.

Vietnam and Cuba established their diplomatic relations on December 2, 1960.

Cuba has always been a symbol and a pioneer in the world people's movement to unite and support Vietnam's just struggle. Cuba has always stood side by side in Vietnam's cause of national construction and defence.

For its part, Vietnam has provided assistance and shared many experiences to help Cuba overcome difficult periods of time to develop its socio-economy and integrate with the world.

Leaders from both sides have repeatedly emphasised that the bilateral relationship is a "symbol of the times".

The State visit to Cuba by Party General Secretary and President To Lam and his spouse takes place in the context that the traditional solidarity, special friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries have continuously been promoted and developed across various areas in recent years.

The close and trusting relationship between the two countries continues to be strengthened through maintaining bilateral contact and exchanging delegations at all levels.

The relationship between the two parties has deepened, playing the role of a political foundation, guiding the development of the bilateral ties.

The two sides have effectively implemented bilateral cooperation mechanisms, such as the theoretical workshops between the two parties, the Intergovernmental Committee, the Political Consultation at the Deputy Foreign Minister level, and the Defence Policy Dialogue at the Deputy Ministerial level.

Leaders of the two countries agree to inherit and promote the tradition of bilateral relations, with determination to bring the special Vietnam-Cuba relationship to a new and more deep and effective stage of development, with a focus on lifting the economic, trade and investment cooperation to the same level as the political relationship.

Vietnam is currently the largest foreign investor and the second largest trading partner of Cuba in Asia and Oceania.

Cuba affirmed its willingness to create favourable conditions for Vietnamese enterprises to increase investment in Cuba's priority areas, such as agricultural production, livestock, fertilisers and renewable energy.

Cuba also encourages cooperation between localities of the two countries to help Cuban localities attract more investment, expand production cooperation, and become self-sufficient in food.

Vietnamese enterprises have increased interested in the Cuban market in such fields as solar power, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology.

With tariff incentives, the Vietnam-Cuba Trade Agreement is an important legal basis for businesses of both sides to promote cooperation and increase bilateral trade turnover.

Defence cooperation is considered a pillar in the bilateral relationship. Accordingly, the two sides have promoted effective implementation of signed documents and agreements.

Regarding agricultural cooperation, technical assistance projects over the past years have partly helped Cuba ensure domestic food needs.

The two sides continue to research and implement agricultural and fishery projects.

Regarding multilateral cooperation, Vietnam and Cuba actively support each other at international organisations and forums, especially the United Nations.

Cuba advocated Vietnam's candidacy for the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-2021 term. Meanwhile, Vietnam supports Cuba's candidacy for the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2021-2023 term.

Implementing the foreign policy identified at the 13th National Party Congress, the visit demonstrates Vietnam's high regard for Cuba.

May the state visit to Cuba by Party General Secretary and President To Lam and his spouse a great success, contributing to further consolidating the solidarity, fraternity, and loyalty of the Party, State and people of Vietnam towards the Party, State and people of Cuba, while enhancing political trust and improving the effectiveness of cooperation between the two parties and the two countries.