Vietnam and Cuba Celebrate 65 Years of Diplomatic Relations

Strategic Insights -

President Luong Cuong underlined Vietnam's treasured solidarity with Cuba, deeply rooted in the thinking of every Vietnamese, as the two nations celebrated the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The event in Hanoi, commemorating the establishment of diplomatic ties on December 2, 1960, was attended by top Cuban leader Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez and his spouse, along with high-ranking delegates from both countries. The celebration highlighted the exceptional history of struggle, glorious victories, and unconditional support that have shaped the exemplary relationship between Vietnam and Cuba.

Key Takeaways:

  • Vietnam consistently attaches special importance to ties with Cuba, reaffirming commitment to consolidating and developing comprehensive cooperation for the benefit of both peoples and regional and global peace.
  • The Cuban Revolution has been a cornerstone of Vietnam's struggle for national liberation and reunification, with Cuba being the first Latin American country to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam in 1960.
  • The two nations have stood shoulder to shoulder in the struggle for independence, national construction, and development, with bilateral ties expanding across various fields, including Party, State, and parliamentary cooperation, economy, trade, investment, defence, security, social organisations, and people-to-people exchanges.
  • Vietnam has steadfastly supported Cuba in demanding that the US lift its blockade and remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, and has provided significant support for Cuba's food security through various campaigns, including a recent donation drive launched by the Vietnam Red Cross Society.
  • The Vietnam-Cuba relationship has stood firm through challenges and upheavals, continuously expanding in both scope and depth, with Cuba offering valuable support in various sectors, including livestock, crop varieties, COVID-19 vaccines, and socio-economic development.
  • President Ho Chi Minh's words "Vietnam and Cuba are tens of thousands of miles apart, but the hearts of the two countries' people are as close as brothers in a family" and Fidel Castro's affirmation that bilateral ties are "special, unprecedented and a model of international relations" have been echoed by President Luong Cuong.

Statistics:

  • Vietnam and Cuba have enjoyed diplomatic relations for 65 years, since December 2, 1960.
  • Cuba is the first Latin American country to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam.
  • Vietnam has steadfastly supported Cuba in demanding the US lift its blockade and remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism.
  • The two nations have exchanged valuable experience in socio-economic development and national safeguarding.
  • Cuba has shared valuable livestock and crop varieties, COVID-19 vaccines, while Vietnam has assisted Cuba in rice production, aquaculture, and coffee cultivation.

Sources:

  • "State President Luong Cuong's speech at the grand meeting to celebrate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Cuba", September 1.
  • "Cuba and Vietnam celebrate 65 years of diplomatic relations", Vietnam News Agency.
  • "Vietnam and Cuba: A model of international relations", Speech by President Ho Chi Minh.
  • "Cuba-Vietnam relations: A story of solidarity and cooperation", Article by Fidel Castro.