Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh has said Vietnam attaches importance to its friendship and traditional collaboration with Cuba, voicing his hope that the newly-accredited Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam will contribute greatly to the thriving ties between the two countries.

Deputy PM Minh made the remark at a February 14 reception for new Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Herminio Lopez Diaz on the occasion of his taking office in the country.

At the reception, the host called on the ambassador to further boost the development of bilateral business, trade and investment cooperation in accordance with the expectations of the two sides.

For his part, the guest said he will continue to deepen the special Vietnam-Cuba ties, which have been built and promoted by both sides’ leaders and people.

The same day, Deputy PM Minh also received Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Preeti Saran.

Vietnam values the traditional friendship and strategic partnership with India and backs its Look East policy, he noted adding that the country wants India to continue making great contributions to maintaining peace, stability and growth in the region and the world.

Ambassador Saran vowed to work closely with relevant Vietnamese agencies to further step up the ties between the two sides in both bilateral and multilateral directions.-VNA