Hanoi seeks for further cooperation with Cuba in key sectors

Standing Deputy Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Nguyen Van Phong and representatives take a commemorative photo with Cuban Ambassador Orlando Nicolás Hernández Guillén. (Photo: kinhtedothi.vn)

Deputy Secretary Nguyen Van Phong congratulated the Ambassador on his successful term and acknowledged his contributions to strengthening the cooperative ties between Vietnam and Cuba. He highlighted that, over nearly 65 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1960, the Vietnam-Cuba relationship has continued to develop across various fields, standing as a model of international solidarity and comprehensive cooperation.

Vietnam greatly values Cuba’s unwavering support during the nation’s past struggles for independence and reunification and in its ongoing efforts toward renewal, development and defense. Deputy Secretary Nguyen Van Phong reaffirmed Vietnam’s sincere support for Cuba, noting that Vietnam is now Cuba’s second-largest trade partner and largest investor from the Asia-Pacific region. The two nations continue to implement the Vietnam-Cuba Trade Agreement, signed in 2018 and effective as of April 2020, which provides mutual trade benefits and enhances bilateral import-export activities.

He further noted the frequent delegation exchanges between Hanoi and Cuba at various levels. Recognizing Cuba’s strengths in science and technology, especially in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, he expressed Hanoi’s desire to expand cooperation in these areas. He invited Cuban biotech and pharmaceutical companies to form joint ventures and establish operations in the Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park. Hanoi also seeks to collaborate on agricultural and rural development, healthcare - especially through training Hanoi’s medical professionals, urban planning and tourism development.

Ambassador Orlando Nicolás Hernández Guillén affirmed that the recent state visit by General Secretary and President To Lam further reinforced the strategic, friendly and cooperative relationship between Vietnam and Cuba, particularly in science, economics and trade. He expressed his deepest regard for Vietnam and Hanoi and vowed to continue promoting exchanges between the two nations and capitals./.