State President Nguyen Minh Triet and President of the State Council and Ministers Council of Cuba, Raul Castro, have evaluated the special relationship between the two countries, which has been consolidated continuously and developed comprehensively.

D uring talks with President Castro in Havana on Sept. 27, President Triet reiterated the solidarity and consistent support of the Vietnamese Party, State and people to Cuba ’s revolutionary process.

He spoke highly of Cuba’s achievements despite the US embargo, the negative impacts of the financial-economic crisis and a series of natural disasters.

On the occasion, President Triet informed his host that Vietnam will present Cuba with 3,000 tonnes of rice.

President Castro confirmed Cuba’s determination to consolidate and develop the solidarity and cooperation shown between the two countries and also thanked the Vietnamese Party, State and people for constantly supporting Cuba .

The two leaders agreed to increase the effectiveness of the joint Governmental committee on economic-trade and science and technology cooperation to take advantage of the two countries’ potential for collaboration, especially in agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, oil and gas, bio-technology, construction and tourism.

Both leaders welcomed the signing of an agreement between the two governments, under which Vietnam will help Cuba to produce food to ensure the Latin-American country’s long term food security.

The ministries and enterprises of both countries should implement bilateral cooperation agreements at all levels as well as looking for new sectors and forms of cooperation to raise bilateral economic-trade ties to the same level as the political relationship, they said.

When exchanging their views on regional and international issues of common interest, both leaders stated that they will continue to increase mutual support and collaboration at international organisations and forums, such as the UN and the Non-Aligned Movement.

President Castro spoke highly of President Triet’s work and speech at the 64 th UN General Assembly.

President Triet invited President Castro to visit Vietnam again which he accepted./.