Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on September 29 hosted an official welcome ceremony for his Cuban counterpart Manuel Marrero Cruz who is on an official friendship visit to Vietnam.

Following the ceremony, the two leaders held talks.

This is Manuel Marrero Cruz’s first visit to a country outside Latin America since he took office in December 2019, and also the first to Vietnam by a Cuban leader since 2018.

The visit aims to promote the implementation of agreements reached by the two countries’ leaders and develop Vietnam-Cuba special ties, manifesting both countries' determination to further tighten the loyal friendship and solidarity, mutual trust and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, States, Governments and peoples.

Earlier, the Cuban Government leader paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum, and is scheduled to pay courtesy visits to Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, and meet National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue.

Also on the occasion of the visit, the Cuban PM will witness the signing of cooperation agreements, attend a Cuba-Vietnam business forum, and meet leaders of Ho Chi Minh City, among other activities.