The official visit will take place from August 31 to September 2.

Despite being located on opposite sides of the globe, Vietnam and Cuba have developed a traditional, special, and comprehensive relationship that serves as a model for international relations.

Laid on a foundation built by Cuban national hero José Martí, President Ho Chi Minh, and Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, the Vietnam-Cuba friendship has been nurtured through generations of leaders and people from both nations. It has withstood the test of time and remains strong despite historical ups and downs.

Ahead of the Cuban leader’s visit, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang noted that over the past 65 years, the two countries have engaged in wide-ranging cooperation across all levels, channels, and sectors.

The visit to Cuba by General Secretary and President To Lam in September 2024 was seen as a historic milestone, opening a new chapter in bilateral ties.

Vietnam is currently Cuba’s second-largest trading partner and its biggest investor from the Asia-Pacific region. Vietnam’s practical support for Cuba in food security - through joint projects in rice, corn, and aquaculture production - has earned widespread appreciation from the Cuban people and the international community.

The first rice harvest in 2025 from a Vietnam-Cuba joint project recorded an impressive yield of 7.2 tons per hectare, 4.5 times higher than the local average.

People-to-people exchanges have also been intensified, with numerous activities promoting enduring solidarity and deep-rooted friendship between the two nations.

Most recently, Vietnam launched a nationwide campaign titled “65 years of Vietnam-Cuba brotherhood” to mobilize aid and express solidarity with the Cuban people during difficult times.

“We are deeply proud and touched by the profound affection and overwhelming support the Vietnamese people show for Cuba,” Deputy Minister Dang Hoang Giang shared.

The Vietnam-Cuba special relationship continues to be strengthened and expanded comprehensively, serving the interests of both peoples and contributing to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.

Deputy Minister Giang affirmed that both countries are committed to preserving, inheriting, and promoting this invaluable legacy, built through years of dedication by leaders and citizens from both sides.

This legacy is a deeply rooted bond of traditional solidarity, special friendship, and sincere brotherhood. Such unwavering loyalty will remain a powerful driving force for advancing bilateral cooperation.

President Ho Chi Minh once said: “Vietnam and Cuba are thousands of miles apart, but their peoples are as close as brothers.” His words remain timeless. The historical parallels and shared goals of struggle and nation-building have forged a unique bond, marked by resilience and patriotism in both nations.

As Vietnam commemorates the 80th anniversary of its August Revolution and National Day, the younger generation has been actively sharing the iconic words of Fidel Castro: “For Vietnam, Cuba is willing to shed its blood!” This powerful message continues to resonate, symbolizing the loyalty and noble gestures Cuba extended to Vietnam during its most challenging times.

Such stories offer inspiring examples of the enduring, special, and profound relationship between the two countries.

Tran Thuong