Cuba is resolute to further its solidarity, friendship andcooperation with Vietnam , a senior Cuban official said at a meetingmarking the 50 th anniversary of Cuba-Vietnam diplomatic ties inHavana on Dec.9.
Vice Chairman of the Cuban Ministers’ Council Ricardo Cabrisas notedthat despite geographical distance, Cuba and Vietnam share theideal of socialism and Marxism-Leninism.
Underlining thesimilarities between the two countries in their fight againstcolonialists and US imperialists, the Cuban leader said that throughout50 years of solidarity, fraternity and friendship, Cuba and Vietnamhave shared victories as well as difficulties and helped each other insurmounting challenges in all fields.
He recalled the days inthe 60s and 70s when a large number of Cuban doctors, nurses, engineers,experts and military officers came to lend a helping hand to Vietnam inits resistance wars for national liberation and in its reconstructionand development work to fulfill President Ho Chi Minh’s will of “makingVietnam ten times more beautiful and prosperous than at present”.
TheCuban leader took the occasion to thank the Vietnamese people for theirsupport to Cuba during its extremely difficult period, theirconsistent backing for Cuba ’s fight against the US ’s embargo andassistance to the country’s food security programme.
Addressingthe function, Vietnamese Ambassador to Cuba Vu Chi Cong said December 2in 1960 marked a milestone in the history of the two countries’ tieswhen they signed an agreement on the establishment of their diplomaticties.
He recalled that Cuba has always led other countries insupporting Vietnam materially and spiritually, citing Cuban Commander inChief Fidel Castro’s saying as “for Vietnam, Cuba is ready to shed itsblood.”
Ambassador Cong expressed the gratitude the Vietnamesepeople had for the Cuban Party, Government and people’s support andsolidarity in the past and at present.
He reiterated Vietnam ’sunswerving support of Cuba in its demand for the removal of the USembargo and sanction and its fight for freedom for five Cuban soldierscurrently detained in the US./.