Havana, July 8 (RHC)--Cuba's first vice-president, Salvador Valdés Mesa, and his Vietnamese counterpart, Dang Thin Ngoc Thinh, reiterated on Monday the willingness of their countries to strengthen bilateral economic and commercial ties.

Valdes Mesa met the Vietnamese government representative, who is o an official visit to the Caribbean nation, and they reviewed the implementation of bilateral agreements, and advocated for the expansion of investment and cooperation.

Prior to the talks, Ngoc Thinh paid tribute to Cuba´s National Hero José Martí, by placing a floral wreath at his memorial at Revolution Square.

As part of her official visit, which is running through Thursday, the Vietnamese leader toured the Mariel Special Development Zone, 45 kilometers west of Havana, and visited the areas where an industrial park operated by the Asian country Vimariel is being built, a symbol of Cuba-Vietnam solidarity.

Ngoc Thinh learned about the current state of construction actions and their importance for the growth of the Development Zone, and said she was confident that Viglacera will become a locomotive to boost the growth of the enclave and attract foreign investment.

On Tuesday, the visitor will participate in the inauguration of the Vietnamese Culture Day in Cuba.