As part of his state visit to Vietnam for the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2, First Secretary and President of Cuba Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez and his spouse visited the Vietnam Military History Museum on the afternoon of August 31.

Earlier, the Cuban leader laid flowers at the newly named monument to Cuban internationalist soldiers. The monument, designed by sculptor Le Dinh Bao, was officially marked by the Ministry of National Defense on August 29.

The construction of the monument honors the meaningful, loyal, and effective support offered by international friends to Vietnam, particularly Cuba - a comrade and brotherly nation that gave its resources, effort, and even blood to support Vietnam’s independence and peace.

Following the wreath-laying ceremony, President Miguel Díaz-Canel and his wife toured the Vietnam Military History Museum. They were introduced to key historical exhibitions, including those on the struggle against French colonialism for national independence (1858–1945) and the resistance war against the French (1945–1954).

President Miguel Díaz-Canel expressed his deep honor at visiting the museum and his emotional response while paying tribute at the Cuban soldier monument. He shared that Vietnam’s victories in its revolutionary wars have served as a model for Cuba. He emphasized that both Cuba and Vietnam have fought for peace, prosperity, and happiness for their people.

He also recalled the historic 1973 visit by revolutionary leader Fidel Castro to Quang Tri in liberated South Vietnam, and the deep affection General Raul Castro holds for Vietnam and President Ho Chi Minh.

The Cuban leader then signed the museum’s guestbook in front of the iconic T-54B tank numbered 843, writing:

"At this military history museum, a testament to the heroism and indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people, on behalf of the Party, Government, and people of Cuba, we express our gratitude to the generations who devoted their lives to the cause of liberation, independence, and national defense.

Vietnam’s historic acts inspire Cuba because we share a mutual longing for sovereignty and social justice.

Honoring and remembering the Cuban soldiers who sacrificed their lives, we are reminded of the solidarity immortalized in Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz’s iconic words: ‘For Vietnam, Cuba is willing to shed its blood.’ Long live the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s Declaration of Independence!”

At the museum, Vietnamese citizens warmly welcomed the Cuban President and First Lady. Both upon arrival and departure, locals eagerly shook hands with the Cuban delegation and joyfully chanted, “Viva Cuba, Viva Vietnam” (Long live Cuba, long live Vietnam).

Tran Thuong - Pham Hai