A bond of Brothers: The Enduring Solidarity Between Cuba and Vietnam

A bond of Brothers: The Enduring Solidarity Between Cuba and Vietnam

Half a Century of Solidarity

The bond between Cuba and Vietnam, established under the influence of Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz and Ho Chi Minh, continues to hold strong despite the geographical distance separating the two nations. This connection was first highlighted during a high-level Cuban delegation visit to Vietnam in 1966 and was underscored by Castro’s first speech in Vietnam seven years later.

Marking 50 years since Castro’s first visit to Vietnam, a Cuban delegation, led by Esteban Lazo Hernández, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, and the President of the National Assembly of People’s Power and the Council of State, visited Hanoi on September 25. During this visit, the delegation paid tribute to Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum, reinforcing the longstanding solidarity between the two nations.

60 Years of Mutual Support

This visit also commemorated the 60th anniversary of the Cuban Committee of Solidarity with South Vietnam, the first organization of its kind in the world. In a meeting with Vo Van Thuong, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Lazo conveyed greetings from the Cuban Party, State, Government, and people, including those from Army General Raúl Castro Ruz and President Miguel Díaz Canel Bermúdez.

Lazo reiterated the strong political relations and regular exchanges between the two countries, which include theoretical seminars, inter-chancellorship political consultations, and the operation of the intergovernmental commission for economic and scientific-technical collaboration. He noted the successful exchange of delegations and political dialogue in 2023.

(Read Also: Strengthening Health Systems: Cuba’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic)

Deepening Ties for Mutual Benefit

Lazo acknowledged Cuba’s strategic relationship with Vietnam, especially in economic, commercial, and cooperative ties, and expressed the desire to further strengthen them for mutual benefit. He thanked Vietnam for its support in calling for an end to the US-imposed blockade against Cuba and for its constant demonstrations of solidarity.

Concluding his visit, Lazo expressed the honor and privilege of representing Cuba in commemorating the 50th anniversary of their Commander in Chief’s first visit to Vietnam. This sentiment underlines the enduring friendship between the two nations and their commitment to mutual support and cooperation.

(Read Also: Reinforcing Ties: A Renewal of Cooperation Between Cuba and Vietnam’s State News Agencies)

Legacy of Revolutionary Heroism

Even after five decades, Fidel Castro’s influence continues to resonate strongly among the Vietnamese people. His portrayal as a symbol of revolutionary heroism, the relentless pursuit of freedom, happiness, and an unbreakable bond between the two nations has left an indelible mark in the hearts and minds of the Vietnamese people.

Delegates and representatives of the younger generation had the opportunity to appreciate and reminisce about Fidel Castro’s historic visit 50 years ago. They did so through photographs, documents, videos, and narratives shared by the participants. These shared memories and stories serve to further solidify the genuine friendship between Cuba and Vietnam, and inspire future generations to uphold the values of revolutionary heroism and solidarity.

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