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| Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen bids farewell to Cuban Ambassador Orlando Nicolas Hernandez Guillen. (Photo: hcmcpv.org.vn) |
So said Nguyen Van Nen, Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee on November 5, when he received Cuban Ambassador Orlando Nicolas Hernandez Guillen to Vietnam, who paid a farewell visit as he concluded his term in Vietnam.
During the meeting, Mr. Nen congratulated Ambassador Hernandez Guillen on completing his mission in Vietnam. He acknowledged the ambassador's efforts in strengthening ties between the two nations, noting the positive impact he made during his tenure. Following recent updates in Vietnam’s senior leadership, the country has continued efforts to solidify bilateral relations, demonstrated by a Vietnamese delegation visiting Cuba to strengthen ties.
On a local level, Ho Chi Minh City recently sent a delegation to Cuba and welcomed several Cuban delegations to the city, fostering mutual understanding and ensuring a solid foundation for the relationship between the two countries.
After hearing the ambassador’s remarks, Mr. Nen affirmed Ho Chi Minh City 's support for increased cooperation in diplomacy, youth exchange and healthcare. “Ho Chi Minh City hopes to pilot a partnership with a Cuban locality on rice farming and technical transfer in food and agriculture,” he said, expressing his hope that the new Cuban ambassador will further the collaborative programs agreed upon by both sides.
Ambassador Hernandez Guillen expressed gratitude for the support from Ho Chi Minh City leaders, which helped him fulfill his duties in Vietnam. He emphasized that Ho Chi Minh City's active engagement with Cuba is evidence of the city’s dynamic and close relationship with Cuba.
Historically, Vietnam has supported Cuba in agriculture, with Ho Chi Minh City playing a leading role in helping Cuba ensure food security. The ambassador noted that Ho Chi Minh City is working on a potential agreement between the Cuban Ministry of Health and the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health to advance primary healthcare cooperation, which could serve as a model for broader collaboration.
The ambassador also highlighted the importance of youth exchanges, which serve as a bridge for furthering the longstanding friendship between the two countries. He added he hoped Ho Chi Minh City leaders would continue to facilitate and expand cooperative programs, especially in agriculture./.