Vietnam and Cuba: A Model of International Relations Built on Traditions of Solidarity and Friendship

Vietnam and Cuba, two nations separated by the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, have forged an unbreakable bond through their shared history, mutual support, and collaborative efforts. The models of solidarity and friendship have transcended geographical distances, making their relationship a testament to the power of international cooperation. According to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang, the unique foundation, comprised of politics-diplomacy, economy-trade-investment, and people-to-people exchange, has contributed to the durability of this relationship.

Key Takeaways:

The special friendship between Vietnam and Cuba is built on the legacy of Cuban Hero Jose Marti, President Ho Chi Minh, and Fidel Castro, with each generation of leaders and people nurturing and strengthening the bond.
Regular high-level visits, including the historic state visit to Cuba by General Secretary, President To Lam in September 2024, have marked significant milestones in the deepening of relations.
Bilateral cooperation mechanisms, such as theoretical seminars, intergovernmental committees, and parliamentary forums, have contributed significantly to fostering trust and cooperation between the two countries.
Vietnam is Cuba's second-largest trading partner and the largest investor from the Asia-Pacific region, with practical projects supporting Cuba's food security efforts and yielding impressive results, such as the 2025 rice harvest achieving 7.2 tons per hectare, four and a half times the local average.
The two countries have signed a cooperation agreement to enhance Cuba's construction and law enforcement capacities, marking the first Vietnamese institutional technical aid project for a foreign country, and promoting legislative and judicial cooperation.
People-to-people exchange programs have fostered a deep sense of friendship, solidarity, and loyalty between the people of Vietnam and Cuba.
Vietnam and Cuba aim to preserve and promote their venerable shared property, namely the traditional solidarity, special friendship, and selfless attachment, which serves as a strong motivation for continued cooperation.

Statistics:

The Vietnam-Cuba relationship has been nurtured and consolidated through the efforts of numerous generations of leaders and people.
The first harvest of the Vietnam-initiated rice development project in Cuba achieved a yield of 7.2 tons per hectare, 4.5 times the local average.
Vietnam is Cuba's second-largest trading partner.

Sources:

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang.