On this occasion, Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Orlando Nicolas Hernandez Guillen gave an interview to VNA reporters on the contents related to the visit of the General Secretary and President and the relationship between Vietnam and Cuba:

Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Orlando Nicolas Hernandez Guillen. Photo: VNA

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam To Lam will pay a State visit to the Republic of Cuba. How does the Ambassador assess the significance of the visit to the development of relations between the two countries? Comrade To Lam, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is a great friend of the people, party and government of Cuba. Therefore, the upcoming visit is very important and of great significance. In my opinion, the exchange of delegations and contacts through the Party, National Assembly and Government channels will have a positive impact on the relations between the two countries as well as important areas of cooperation. Right before the visit, an inter-parliamentary meeting will take place with the participation of the Vice President of the National Assembly of Vietnam and the President of the National Assembly of Cuba and committees in the fields related to economics, politics and society of both countries. The achievements of the meeting will directly contribute to the results of Comrade To Lam's visit. The delegation will include important ministries and sectors such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Vietnam's participation in the agricultural sector has made a significant and important contribution to Cuba's food security. There will certainly be important agreements signed and the two sides will also make progress in this field. In addition, the Minister of Construction will also join the delegation and will be co-chair of the Cuba - Vietnam Intergovernmental Committee with the Cuban Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment. The two sides will jointly analyze and evaluate the contents related to economic and trade cooperation. The development of cooperation with localities will also be emphasized, creating a new resource to promote and deepen bilateral cooperation. Strengthening cooperation between provinces and cities is a factor contributing to promoting and developing together. In addition, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son also joined the delegation and the two sides will discuss a number of important issues in diplomacy and foreign affairs, contributing to the development of bilateral and multilateral relations. I can say that this is a very special visit, because it is a visit by a top leader of the Party and State of Vietnam. In recent years, there have been many important and breakthrough visits in many fields, but this is a unique opportunity for us to welcome the General Secretary and President. Therefore, it is possible that the two sides will reach important agreements and treaties at the Party level, contributing to strengthening the relationship and exchanges between the Party organizations of the two countries. In 2025, Vietnam and Cuba will celebrate the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Could you tell us about the outstanding achievements in the relationship between the two Parties and the two States in recent times? What practical and meaningful activities will the two countries organize to celebrate this event? This visit will mark an important moment with historical significance. Cuba is the first country in the Western Hemisphere to establish full diplomatic relations with Vietnam. Through the ups and downs of history, Vietnam and Cuba have always stood side by side, supporting and helping each other in the most difficult times, fighting together against common enemies. These are eloquent evidences of the special brotherly friendship over the past 65 years between two peoples half a world apart. Recently, it has become more meaningful than ever. We have experienced a pandemic that left extremely painful consequences for the whole world. And in that difficult moment, Vietnam and Cuba have always cooperated and helped each other. Vietnam has sent to Cuba, a country still under embargo, many important medicines and goods to serve the prevention and fight against COVID-19. Cuba has also sent to Vietnam many types of medicines produced with high-tech production lines and millions of doses of vaccines produced by Cuba. Over the years, Vietnam has become an important partner in the Cuban economic opening. Vietnam is the largest foreign investor in Asia and the second largest Asian trading partner in Cuba. We hope that in the future there will be new investments, helping to further consolidate these achievements. With Vietnam, Cuba has signed the only agreement on trade preferences outside of Latin America, contributing to the presence of Vietnamese products in the Cuban market, as well as facilitating the presence of Cuban medical products as well as other traditional products such as rum and tobacco in the Vietnamese market. The two sides have signed a Medium-Term Bilateral Economic Agenda, as well as implemented the activities of the Intergovernmental Commission, enhancing exchanges in the political-legal fields. Strengthening and deepening the relationship between the National Assembly, the Ministry of Justice and the Supreme Court of the two countries has created conditions for the exchange of experience in an area that is very important in the bilateral relationship.

Regarding political relations between the two Parties, the two sides have organized theoretical seminars to enhance the exchange of experiences and Party building work. Vietnam and Cuba share many things in common, are on the same development path under the leadership of the Communist Party and are facing many challenges, both internally and externally. Over the years, these forms of exchange have been effective and we will continue to organize these activities. Cultural work will also be enhanced, as this is also a very important field. This year, one of the first activities to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations is a performance by artists from the National Ballet of Cuba, and will also celebrate the 60th anniversary of the legendary Cuban ballerina Alicia Alonso's visit to Vietnam and her reception by President Ho Chi Minh. We also plan to promote cooperation at all levels, starting with schools, mass organizations, women's associations, and the Fatherland Front, with the aim of enriching activities to celebrate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. In the context of the current complex and unpredictable world situation, how should the relationship between the two Parties and the two countries be strengthened to support each other and develop together, Ambassador? Specifically, all agreements reached in all areas aim to strengthen bilateral relations and learn from each other's experiences. In addition to cultivating and fostering theory, it is necessary to point out that we are building a new and different society from what exists in the world. All directives of the Party are very important. Currently, the situation is becoming increasingly complicated, the world is facing threats from all sides. Cuba and Vietnam share the same views on the world's most urgent issues. This visit will also demonstrate to the world that we support each other to face today's increasingly complex international challenges. Thank you very much, Ambassador!