Cuba and Vietnam, an example of fraternity between two peoples

by Maria Josefina Arce

In the special bond that unites Havana and Hanoi, the recently deceased General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Nguyen Phu Trong, played an essential role, along with other Vietnamese leaders, who at all times showed his solidarity with the Cuban people.

The Caribbean nation's top leadership described the Vietnamese leader, who maintained a close friendship with the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, and Army General Raul Castro, as a great friend and brother.

He was warmly welcomed by the Cubans during his last visit to our country in March 2018, during which the existing potential to expand and diversify fruitful economic and trade relations was highlighted.

Six years earlier, the Partisan Leader had traveled to Havana. On that occasion, he stressed that for the Vietnamese, Cuba was an example of revolutionary heroism, selfless internationalism, iron will and deep conviction in the righteousness of the cause of freedom and independence.

Nguyen Phu Trong's visits were part of the high-level exchanges that the two nations, united by friendship, respect and mutual admiration, have maintained for decades.

Fidel Castro's visit to the Asian country in September 1973, where he received an impressive welcome, is also worth mentioning.

Despite the geographical distance, Cuba and Vietnam have developed close relations in which solidarity is an essential element. This has been the case throughout history since the triumph of the Cuban Revolution in January 1959 and its support for the struggle of the people of the Southeast Asian nation for their liberation.

Since then, the two countries have supported each other and worked for the benefit of their citizens, a goal they continue to pursue. Last April, for example, more than 50 new agreements were signed in areas including trade, agriculture, biotechnology, health and the environment.

The Vietnamese government and people have stood by Cuba in its struggle against the criminal U.S. blockade, extending a generous hand at a particularly complex time for our country.

Cuba and Vietnam enjoy a special friendship of solidarity and cooperation, an example of how international relations should be for a better world.