Hanoi, June 12 (RHC-PL) --  Cuban Parliament President Esteban Lazo said Monday in Hanoi that Cuba highly values Vietnam's experiences in perfecting people's power. 

Addressing the 3rd plenary session of Vietnam's 14th Legislature, Lazo said: “We have come to learn from your experience and take advantage of those practices that can best serve us in perfecting our People’s Power system.”

In the presence of Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, the Cuban parliamentary leader conirmed that Cuba prioritizes its strategic relationship with Vietnam. He pointed to what he described as 'enormous potential for further development of bilateral ties in areas of mutual interest.'

The Cuban parliament president recalled that his Vietnamese counterpart was among the first foreign leaders to arrive in Cuba for the funeral of revolutionary leader Fidel Castro. He also thanked Vietnam for its support in the fight against the U.S. economic, commercial and financial blockade of the island.

During his speech, Lazo also referred to the reestablishment of diplomatic relations with the United States. He stated: “We will never renounce the right to continue building the economic, political and social system that has been democratically and freely chosen by our people.” Similarly, he noted his hope that “the new U.S. government will respect the Cuban people's inalienable right to self-determination and advance relations for the benefit of both peoples.”

Lazo's speech at the Vietnamese parliament followed a meeting with his counterpart Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan. During the exchange, the two sides discussed how the two legislative bodies could contribute to further strengthening the already excellent bilateral ties.

Later, the Cuban delegation toured the Vietnamese National Assembly’s Historical Hall, where key moments of these ties are recorded, including the presence of Fidel Castro in areas liberated in September 1973. They also visited the Assembly’s Museum, which treasures valuable pieces found during excavations to build the parliamentary building.

The visit agenda also includes talks with other high-ranking leaders, and visits to some places of socioeconomic interest in the provinces of Son La (north) and Ben Tre (south), as well as in the southern Ho Chi Minh city.

Other members of the Cuban parliamentary delegation include the President of the International Relations Committee Yolanda Ferrer, the Head of Constitutional and Legal Affairs, Jose Luis Toledo, the Head of the Cuba-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group, Joaquin Bernal.