The Vietnamese Party, State and people always stand side by side with Cuba, as it has done to support and help Vietnam with all their hearts, said State President Nguyen Minh Triet.

President Triet made the statement while receiving visiting Sen. Lt. Gen. Alvaro Lopez Miera, Chief of the General Staff of the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces, in Hanoi on April 16.

The Vietnamese leader expressed his admiration at achievements of the Cuban people obtained in overcoming difficulties to push forward the cause of national construction and development. He added that not only the Vietnamese people, but also the progressive people all over the world share their admiration for Cuban revolutionary heroism.

He expressed his belief that the visit would contribute to boosting the traditional friendship, solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, States and people, including the armed forces.

Sen. Lt. Gen. Alvaro Lopez Miera stated that the current visit is a good opportunity to learn from the experiences of the Vietnamese people’s armed forces. He praised the progress Vietnam has made since his last visit ten years ago and expressed his determination to contribute to tightening relations between the two armies and speeding up bilateral cooperation programmes./.