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| Ms. Ariadne Feo Labrada, Consul General of the Republic of Cuba in Ho Chi Minh City, delivers a speech at the anniversary ceremony. (Photo: VNA) |
At the ceremony, Ms. Truong Thi Hien, Chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Association, highlighted the historical significance of the Moncada Barracks attack by Cuban soldiers and civilians 71 years ago. This pivotal moment marked a turning point in the Cuban Revolution, inspiring the Cuban people to rise up and ultimately achieve the victory of the revolution on January 1, 1959, ushering in a new era of independence, freedom and socialism for Cuba.
She emphasized that although Vietnam and Cuba are separated by half a world, their relationship is close, loyal, pure and sincere. This relationship was meticulously fostered by President Ho Chi Minh and President Fidel Castro and has been continuously strengthened and developed by successive generations of leaders and citizens of both countries. This enduring friendship has provided strength and confidence, enabling both nations to overcome difficulties and work toward building and protecting their homelands.
Most recently, the State visit to Cuba by Party General Secretary and President To Lam reaffirmed the strong, traditional and special Vietnam-Cuba friendship, which continues to be cherished as a valuable asset by both nations' Parties, governments and peoples. The visit also demonstrated Vietnam’s high regard for Cuba and the important place Cuba holds in Vietnam’s foreign policy.
According to Ms. Hien, in recent times, HUFO and the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Association have successfully collaborated with the Cuban Consulate General to organize numerous meaningful cultural exchange activities and welcomed Cuban delegations visiting and working in the city. These activities, which have involved students, youths and the public, have further fostered the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Cuba.
Expressing gratitude to HUFO for organizing the meaningful event to commemorate a significant moment in Cuban history, Ms. Ariadne Feo Labrada, Consul General of the Republic of Cuba in Ho Chi Minh City, emphasized that for many years, Vietnam and Cuba have maintained a special and unique friendship. This relationship is a shining example of international solidarity, especially in the areas of people-to-people diplomacy and cooperation.
According to the Cuban Consul General, Party General Secretary and President To Lam's recent visit to Cuba reaffirmed the strong brotherhood between the two nations, and this relationship is sure to continue to thrive in all fields. She also expressed sincere thanks to Vietnam’s Party, government and people for their unwavering solidarity and effective support that has helped Cuba overcome recent difficulties.
On this occasion, the Cuban Consul General presented the 60th Anniversary Medal of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples to the Traditional Liaison Committee of Battalion 261 - Giron in Ho Chi Minh City.
After the glorious victory of Battalion 261 (under Military Zone 8) at the Battle of Ap Bac in 1964, Cuban leader Fidel Castro awarded the Giron Victory Flag to Battalion 261. Since then, the unit has been known as Battalion 261 - Giron, becoming a symbol of the special friendship between Vietnam and Cuba./.