Vietnam, Cuba promote parliamentary cooperation and areas of both sides’ strengths

This marks the first high-ranking foreign leader's visit to Cuba after the Caribbean nation successfully held its General Election to elect a new National Assembly and important State titles according to the Constitution.

The visit takes place as part of the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Cuba's establishment of the Committee for Solidarity with South Vietnam, the 50th anniversary of Fidel Castro Ruz's first visit to Vietnam, and of the Liberation of South Vietnam in September, 1973.

During the 63 years since the initial establishment of diplomatic relations, the close-knit solidarity relationship between both sides has always been strengthened by the leaders of the two nations’ Parties, States, and peoples.

The two sides have continuously exchanged high-level delegations at all levels. Most notably, the co-operative ties between the two legislative bodies have also been promoted.

In particular, the Vietnamese NA highly appreciated the results of the visit and the content of the important speech give be President of the NA of People's Power of Cuba Esteban Lazo Hernandez before the NA of Vietnam on June 12, 2017.

On March 25, 2022, NA Chairman Hue had a very successful online conversation with his Cuban counterpart regarding strengthening linkages between the two legislatures and co-operation between the two countries in a more effective manner amid the new international context and the digital age.

Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Orlando Nicolas Hernandez Guillen said that the two legislative bodies have enjoyed a close relationship for many years, significantly contributing to the exchange of development experience with the Cuban side based on the achievements that Vietnam has recorded over the years.

The leaders of the two countries desire to strengthen parliamentary ties as a solid basis for both nations to expand and develop bilateral ties further in the time ahead.

During the visit the top Vietnamese legislator is due to give a speech at the Cuban NA on the day the 10th Cuban NA holds its first session after the general election held on March 26 and the 62nd anniversary of the Giron Beach Victory which occurred on April 19, 1961, a very important event for the Cuban revolution and people.

The occasion of NA Chairman Hue speaking at the Cuban NA on such an important occasion is viewed as a historic event of which only the mutual relationship between Vietnam and Cuba could bring about.

Vu Hai Ha, chairman of the NA Committee for Foreign Affairs, also emphasised that the invitation of NA Chairman Hue to speak at the Cuban NA represents a very special gesture, showing the respect that the Caribbean country has for the Vietnamese legislature and NA Chairman Hue personally.

The message of the Vietnamese NA leader given at the Cuban NA once again affirms Vietnamese solidarity with the Cuban people. The nation is willing to share difficulties and experiences from the Doi moi (renewal) process amid the Caribbean island is updating its own socio-economic model. It also affirms that the two sides stand together for the cause of independence, freedom, peace, and development of each country.

It is expected that during the official visit to Cuba made by NA Chairman Hue and his high-ranking delegation, the two sides will sign a co-operation agreement to enhance the exchange of experience in parliamentary activities and legislative work, as well as mutual assistance at regional and international inter-parliamentary forums. Both sides will co-ordinate in materialise the agreements signed between the two countries as a way of making bilateral ties more practical and effective.

Moreover, in the current complicated international competition, from the revolutionary reality of each country the two sides must unite, closely co-operate, always stick to the revolutionary line, and uphold the principles of independence, self-reliance, and equality towards boosting national development and taking care of their own people's happiness.

Vietnam has been co-operating strongly and comprehensively in economy, trade, and investment with Cuba, with a focus on a number of key fields such as agriculture, biotechnology, health care, and production of consumer goods, tourism infrastructure construction, hotel management, and construction materials.

According to the Minutes signed at the meetings of the Intergovernmental Committee, the country will continue to supply rice stably to Cuba and help it to improve production capacity and contribute to ensuring food security through co-operation projects to develop rice, maize, and seafood production in the Caribbean country.

Realising that memorandum of understanding, at the start of April, the Party, State, and People of Vietnam donated 5,000 tonnes of rice to the Cuban people.

The official visit to Cuba by NA Chairman Hue indicates that Vietnam always remembers Cuba's special solidarity and support for Vietnam amid the struggle for independence and freedom and iand in the most difficult years.

It affirmed that the country always attaches places importance to continuing to consolidate the relationship of solidarity, special friendship, and exemplary loyalty between the two Parties and countries, stand side by side with the Cuban people in difficult times, thereby educating the two nations’ young generations about sound joint relations.

The visit will help augment parliamentary co-operation and ties in areas where the two sides have strengths and needs. In particular, the visit will contribute to consolidating political trust and deepening mutual relations across a variety of fields, thus making bilateral relations more practical and more effective.