Vietnam, Cuba should expand economic cooperation, says President

Hanoi (VNA) – President Tran Dai Quang has suggested Vietnam and Cuba expand economic and investment cooperation, especially in the fields of agriculture, tourism, health, education, and pharmaceuticals.

The State leader made the recommendation at his reception in Hanoi on June 20 for Salvador Valdes Mesa, Vice President of the Council of State and Special Envoy of First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba’s Central Committee and President of the Council of State Raul Castro Ruz, who is sent to Vietnam to inform the country about the outcomes of the 7th National Party Congress of Cuba.

President Quang said that the special envoy’s visit once again affirms mutual trust, traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, States and peoples.

He thanked Cuba for its support for Vietnam’s past struggle for national liberation and current national construction and safeguarding, saying that the bilateral relations should be maintained and educated for young generations.

He also expressed his hope that the two nations will realise bilateral agreements and commitments to turn potential and strengths into special programmes and projects, and intensify experience sharing to serve each country’s national construction and protection.

The guest spoke highly of Vietnam’s help for Cuba in ensuring food security, stating that Cuba will achieve the target of meeting 50 percent of domestic demands thanks to the Southeast Asian country’s assistance.

He informed the host of Cuba’s socio-economic situation and believed that the results of its economic model update will open up more opportunities for the two countries to intensify economic and trade ties.

He also took the occasion to convey President Raul Castro’s invitation to President Quang to visit Cuba. The Vietnamese State leader accepted the invitation. The visit will be arranged through the diplomatic channel.-VNA