Leading legislators from Vietnam and Cuba have resolved to deepen the friendship and multifaceted cooperation that exist between the two nations, both bilaterally and multilaterally.

The Chairman of Vietnam’s National Assembly, Nguyen Phu Trong and his Cuban counterpart, Ricardo Alarcon, reached a consensus on the issue during their talks in Havana on September 6.

Alarcon welcomed Trong’s visit, saying that it is taking place at a time when both countries are celebrating their 50 th anniversary of diplomatic ties and are asserting solidarity and friendship between both peoples for peace, cooperation and development.

Over the past 50 years, the world has seen many changes and the two nations have experienced a wide range of difficulties and challenges, but both are still standing firm on the path of construction and development, he said.

The Cuban lawmaker noted with pleasure that bilateral relations have constantly been strengthened and expanded. In recent years, Cuba and Vietnam have signed a number of documents and agreements to facilitate their comprehensive cooperation.

Trong said the visit is evidence of Vietnam’s consistent policy of backing and standing united with Cuba , as well as its desire to step up its comprehensive strategic agreements with the island country.

He also used the occasion to thank the Party, State and Cuban people for the valuable support they have extended to Vietnam during its past struggles for national independence and during the current process of national construction and development.

The two legislators informed each other of the situation in their respective countries and the plans for national construction and development. They also discussed a number of regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Also on September 6, Trong met with the President of the Cuban State Council and the Council of Ministers, Raul Castro, who said he hoped that the visit would contribute to enhancing and expanding bilateral relations.

Cuba and Vietnam’s top leaders have regular exchanged visits and both nations have expanded cooperation in many fields in a more effective and practical manner, said Castro.

Both host and guest pledged to implement cooperative agreements through specific programmes and projects, thereby developing the Cuba-Vietnam relationship. They also agreed to continue support and work with each other closely at multilateral forums.

Earlier the same day, Trong and his delegation laid wreaths at the statue dedicated to Cuba ’s national hero Jose Marti and paid a call on the heroine of Moncada, Melba Hernandez, President of the Cuba-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group.

During his trip, NA Chairman Trong also presented 2,000 tonnes of rice to the Cuban people./.