On the afternoon of March 13, Politburo member, Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee, Head of the Hanoi National Assembly Delegation Bui Thi Minh Hoai hosted a reception for Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Rogelio Polanco Fuentes to pay a courtesy visit and discuss cooperation between Cuba and Hanoi in the coming time, especially in the year of the 65th anniversary of Vietnam-Cuba diplomatic relations.

Attending the reception were Head of the City Party Committee's Organization Board Ha Minh Hai and Vice Chairman of the City People's Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen.

Speaking at the reception, Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Bui Thi Minh Hoai expressed her pleasure to welcome Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Rogelio Polanco Fuentes and Embassy staff to visit and work with the Hanoi Party Committee. At the same time, she congratulated Comrade Rogelio Polanco Fuentes on being appointed Ambassador to Vietnam by the Cuban Party and State.

Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Bui Thi Minh Hoai expressed her belief that with his extensive work experience, especially in the field of diplomacy, comrade Rogelio Polanco Fuentes will make many positive and effective contributions to strengthening and deepening the special friendship between Vietnam and Cuba.

According to the Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee, the special Vietnam-Cuba relationship founded by President Ho Chi Minh and leader Fidel Castro is a priceless asset that the two Parties, two countries and peoples need to strive to preserve, protect, cultivate and pass on to future generations, for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries and the revolutionary cause of the two Parties. The Vietnamese people always remember, cherish and are grateful for the deep affection that the Parties, States and peoples of the two countries, and leaders Fidel Castro and Raul Castro have given to Vietnam throughout the historical years up to now. The brotherly, comradely relationship and solidarity of the Parties, States and peoples of the two countries are consistent and will continue to be nurtured and promoted further by future generations.

The Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee said that 2025 is of great significance, as it marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, marking a new historical milestone in the special relationship between the Parties, States and People of Vietnam and Cuba. In particular, the State visit of General Secretary To Lam in September 2024 opened a new phase in the special bilateral friendship and cooperation, deepening the tradition of brotherly solidarity between Vietnam and Cuba.

Secretary of the City Party Committee Bui Thi Minh Hoai said that with its special position, Hanoi has always strived to promote a dynamic, proactive and creative spirit to overcome difficulties and achieve many comprehensive achievements in recent times.

From the beginning of 2025 to now, along with the whole country, Hanoi is implementing many important contents such as: innovating and arranging the organization of the political system to ensure streamlined, effective and efficient operations; implementing solutions to promote socio-economic development with a growth target of 8% or more, bringing the capital and the country into a new era. Hanoi is aiming to develop in the direction of "green - smart - modern" with digital transformation, science and technology development and innovation, helping the capital to be competitive in the region and internationally, connecting globally, maintaining the title of City for Peace, maintaining a fast, sustainable and comprehensive growth rate.

The Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee happily shared that in recent times, cooperation activities between Hanoi and Cuba have taken place regularly with delegation exchanges at many levels. Together with the Central Government, Hanoi regularly coordinates and shares with Cuba in general and the capital Havana, through sharing work experience, supporting rice, computers, etc. Notably, in June 2023, the Hanoi Party Committee and the Havana Party Committee signed a Cooperation Agreement for the period 2023-2028; a number of specialized agencies of the city have proactively implemented cooperation agreements with Cuban partners.

According to the Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee, on the basis of the special traditional relationship, Hanoi always gives high priority to developing friendly relations and people-to-people exchanges with the capital Havana and localities of Cuba. In particular, continuing to effectively implement the signed cooperation agreement for the period 2023-2028; strengthening cooperation through the Party channel; organizing delegation exchanges at all levels to strengthen and promote cooperation in the fields of health, trade, agriculture and food; strengthening cultural cooperation through coordinating the organization of cultural exchange events, exchanging traditional art troupes... contributing to tightening the friendship between the people of the two countries. Continuing the cooperative relationship built with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment of Cuba in the past, continuing to exchange and coordinate with relevant agencies and units of the two countries to study and promote the participation in signing the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in developing high-tech zones in Cuba. In addition, Hanoi will closely coordinate with the Cuban Embassy in Vietnam to carry out a number of activities on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of Vietnam-Cuba diplomatic relations.

Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Bui Thi Minh Hoai believes that during his term in Vietnam, Ambassador Rogelio Polanco Fuentes will continue to accompany and be an important bridge to further strengthen and promote the traditional relationship between the two countries as well as the friendship and cooperation between the two cities in the coming time.

On this occasion, the Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee asked the Ambassador to convey his regards to the leaders of the Havana Party Committee and invite them to visit Vietnam at an appropriate time. The Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee wished the Ambassador a successful term of office, with many beautiful memories and good feelings about the country, people of Vietnam and Hanoi in particular.

Ambassador Rogelio Polanco Fuentes thanked the Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee for his warm welcome and shared important and comprehensive information about the capital and the relationship between the two countries. He also affirmed that the relationship between the two countries has many special historical meanings that need to be nurtured and developed to continue to be passed on to future generations.

According to Ambassador Rogelio Polanco Fuentes, the Vietnam - Cuba relationship is in a stage of comprehensive, sustainable development, cooperation in many fields. In particular, after the visit of General Secretary To Lam, the relationship between the two countries has once again been raised to a new level of effectiveness, comprehensiveness and sustainability. At the same time, he said that 2025 is a special year - the year of Vietnam - Cuba friendship, commemorating the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Vietnam has many important historical events and Cuba will also celebrate these important events such as the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South, national reunification, the anniversary of the successful August Revolution... to honor the friendly relations between the two countries.

Ambassador Rogelio Polanco Fuentes hopes that the cooperation agreements between Hanoi and Havana will be more substantive, promoting the friendly relations between the two cities, especially exchanges of delegations at all levels and continuing cooperation in the fields of health, education and cultural exchange.

Expressing his gratitude to Hanoi for always supporting and helping Cuba overcome difficulties, and thanking agencies and organizations, especially the assistance and support of the City Union of Friendship Organizations, Ambassador Rogelio Polanco Fuentes hopes that in the future, cooperation and development in many more fields can be further promoted to bring the people of the two countries closer together.

Ambassador Rogelio Polanco Fuentes wished Vietnam in general and Hanoi in particular a successful 2025 with changes and growth. At the same time, he believed that under the leadership of the City Party Committee, Hanoi will continue to achieve more success.