Deputy PM receives Cuban Deputy FM to strengthen bilateral ties
The two sides agreed to closely coordinate in the implementation of measures for further strengthening bilateral ties, including promoting all-level mutual visits, realising high-level agreements, and enhancing the effectiveness of cooperation mechanisms between the countries.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son (R) receives Cuba's First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Gerardo Penalver Portal in Hanoi on July 23. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affair﷽s Bui Thanh Son hosted a reception in Hanoi on July 🦩23 for Cuba's First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Gerardo Penalver Portal, who is visiting Vietnam from July 22 to 25 for a political consultation.
Welcoming the Cuban Deputy FM back to Vietnam, Deputy PM Son expressed delight at the continued consolidation and development of Vietnam – Cuba relations across multiple fields.
The host reaffirmed the consistent solidarity and support from the Vietnamese Party, State, and people to their Cuban counterparts, expressing his belief that the Cuban Party, State, and people will overcome all difficulties and challenges to firmly advance on the path of peace and development, and further enhance the country’s role and reputation in the international arena.
For his part, Penalver Portal expressed his pleasure to return to Vietnam, affirming that for the past 65 years, the Party, State, and people of Cuba have always treasured and preserved the special friendship between the two nations. He extended deep gratitude for Vietnam’s timely and practical assistance, including that from Vietnamese ministries, sectors, localities, and businesses, which has contributed to Cuba’s socio-economic development amid current challenges.
During the meeting, both sides agreed to closely coordinate in the implementation of measures for further strengthening bilateral ties. These include promoting all-level mutual visits, realising high-level agreements reached during the State visit to Cuba by Party General Secretary and then State President To Lam in September 2024, and enhancing the effectiveness of cooperation mechanisms between the two countries.
They also pledged to boost cooperation across the board, especially trade, agriculture, energy, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical, and to jointly organise a series of events marking the 65th anniversary of Vietnam – Cuba diplomatic relations in 2025 – the “Vietnam – Cuba Friendship Year”. The two sides also pledged coordination and mutual support at international organisations and multilateral forums.
As part of his visit, the First Deputy FM of Cuba will co-chair the 8th political consultation between the two foreign ministries, and hold meetings with leaders of the National Assembly's Committee on National Defence, Security and External Relations, and the Ministry of Construction – which serves as the standing body of the Vietnam – Cuba Intergovernmental Committee. He will also visit several economic, cultural, social, and historical institutions in Hanoi./.
The short documentary on a Vietnamese rice cultivation project in Cuba.is scheduled to air on VTV1 in celebration of the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day (September 2, 1945 – 2025).
The contest, titled “Cuba – Vietnam: amistad sin fronteras” (Cuba – Vietnam: friendship without borders) drew 454 submissions from Cuban students aged 6 to 14 across 59 primary and secondary schools.
General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the VPA’s General Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defence reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering gratitude for Cuba’s invaluable support during its struggle for independence and nation-building efforts, and pledged to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Cuba as it navigates current challenges.
President Luong Cuong's activities during his state visit to Angola, the celebration of the financial sector's 80th traditional day, and the Foreign Ministry's flag-hoisting ceremony marking the 58th founding anniversary of ASEAN are among news highlights on August 8.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung praised the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ meaningful initiative, noting that the ASEAN Family Run was not only a sporting activity but also an opportunity for diplomats and their families to show unity, connection, and solidarity within the ASEAN family.
Politburo member, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on August 8 attended the first congress of the Party Organisation of Tay Ho ward of Hanoi for the 2025–2030 term, during which he called for fresh momentum to turn the ward into a model that takes the lead in all fields.
The size of the economy increased from over 5 billion USD in 1986 to over 476 billion USD by 2024, making Vietnam the fourth-largest economy in Southeast Asia and the 34th largest in the world.
The ASEAN flag-hoisting ceremony is observed by the 10 ASEAN member countries on August 8 every year, aiming to spread and promote the ASEAN identity and affirm the determination to unite and cooperate for the common aspiration of long-term peace and prosperity of Southeast Asian countries under the common roof of the ASEAN Community.
Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Manh Cuong highlighted ASEAN’s nearly six decades of development, during which the region transformed from division to harmony, from confrontation to cooperation, and from poverty to dynamic growth, becoming a global bright spot for regional cooperation.
Thirty years ago, on July 28, 1995, Vietnam’s accession to ASEAN marked a historic strategic decision, opening a new chapter in the country’s integration process and beginning its strong rise.
Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang has outlined specific priorities and proposals for cooperation with the UNODA in preparation for the upcoming 11th Review Conference of the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
The Vietnamese Party leader's visit is therefore expected to mark a new stage in the development of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries, with a focus on such areas as digital transformation, supply chains, semiconductors, clean energy, and maritime security, Choe assessed.
At their meeting, which took place in the Angolan capital of Luanda on August 7 as part of State President Luong Cuong’s ongoing state visit to the African nation, the two officials also agreed to make full use of existing cooperation mechanisms, particularly the Vietnam – Angola Intergovernmental Committee, and step up exchanges of delegations at all levels.
President Luong Cuong's talks with his Angolan counterrpart João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, Vietnamese leader's receptions for a delegation from the Japan – Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance, and the Government's regular meeting for July are among news highlights on August 7 evening.
Over the past five decades, the Vietnam - Angola relationship has grown steadily, marked by political trust and close bonds between their Parties, States, Governments, and peoples, said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son.
President Luong Cuong called on the two countries to join hands to promote South – South cooperation, contribute to building a fair and equal global political and economic order, safeguard independence and sovereignty, and promote extensive and substantive international solidarity and cooperation.
President Luong Cuong called on the community to remain united, integrate well into local society, adhere to local laws, and continue contributing to both Angola’s development and Vietnam – Angola relations.
Vietnamese President Luong Cuong and Speaker of the National Assembly (NA) of Angola Carolina Cerqueira agreed to continue strengthening political trust, boost high-level delegation exchanges via all channels, including the parliamentary one, and create favourable legal conditions for bilateral cooperation.
Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong and Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço met with the press right after concluding their talks and witnessing the signing of seven cooperation agreements between the two countries in Luanda on August 7.
State President Luong Cuong stressed the fraternal ties between Vietnam and Angola as a shared invaluable asset. It serves as a solid foundation for both countries to enter a new phase of development, further foster political trust and mutual support between the two Parties and States, and deepen the solidarity and mutual understanding between their people.
At the dialogue, both sides expressed satisfaction with the intensive and extensive development of bilateral relationship since it was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership last year.
The robust collaboration between the Vietnamese National Assembly and Japan’s National Diet, particularly between the two nations’ parliamentary friendship groups, is a hallmark of bilateral relations, contributing to deepening the Vietnam-Japan comprehensive strategic partnership, said NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man.
Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long received British Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew in Hanoi on August 7, affirming education as a standout pillar in the Vietnam - UK Strategic Partnership.
