Hanoi (VNA) 🐓– State President Luong Cuong on December 26 received newly-appointed ambassadors of Cuba, Zimbabwe and Bolivia, who came to present their credentials.

At a reception for Cuban Ambassador Rogelio Polanco Fuentes, President Cuong praised the regular exchange of high-ranking delegations between the two countries’ ministries, agencies, localities and socio-political organisations, noting that the recent state visit to Cuba by Party General Secretary To Lam in September marked a major milestone, contributing to deepening the bilateral ties, strengthening political trust, and opening up new directions in bilateral economic, trade and investment cooperation. Vietnam always highly appreciates and remembers the solidarity and wholehearted support, both material and spiritual, that Cuba has extended to Vietnam during its past struggle for national liberation and reunification, as well as in the ongoing process of national construction and development, he said. To further strengthen the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the Parties, States and people of the two nations, the State President urged the Ambassador to act as a key coordinator in delivering on high-level commitments, agreements, and cooperation programmes between the two countries. The focus should be placed on agriculture and energy while expanding collaboration in potential areas such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, healthcare services, telecommunications, culture, tourism, construction and transport. He also stressed the need to tackle challenges faced by Vietnamese firms operating in Cuba. State President Cuong agreed with the diplomat on the need to continue fostering coordination and mutual support at international organisations and multilateral forums, reaffirming Vietnam's consistent stance on calling on the US to lift its blockade and embargo against Cuba and remove Cuba from its unilaterally-imposed list of state sponsors of terrorism. Polanco Fuentes, for his part, said the traditional special friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the Cuban and Vietnamese Parties, States and people were sown by national hero José Martí, President Ho Chi Minh, and Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro Ruz and have been nurtured by generations of leaders and citizens over the past six decades. The 65th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties next year (December 2), designated as the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Year, is a testament to the exemplary and unique relations between the two countries, he said. The Ambassador thanked Vietnam for its steadfast support to Cuba during its current challenging times, as well as Vietnam's consistent stance against the unilateral embargo imposed by the US. The diplomat said Vietnam's achievements serve as invaluable lessons for Cuba to follow. He pledged to devote his utmost efforts during his tenure to further enhance bilateral cooperation across various fields.

Hosting Zimbabwean Ambassador Constance Chemwayi and Bolivian Ambassador Hugo Jose Siles Nunez de Prado, State President Cuong affirmed that Vietnam always gives high priority to fostering relations with traditional friends in Africa and Latin America, with Zimbabwe and Bolivia being key priorities in its foreign policy. Vietnam, Zimbabwe and Bolivia, as developing nations, possess substantial potential for cooperation and elevation of their relations to new heights, the State leader said.

With similarities in their development journeys and common stances on global issues, he expressed his confidence in their continued collaboration at multilateral forums, particularly within the United Nations framework. The State President urged the ambassadors to excel in their roles as bridges of friendship and cooperation during their tenures, ensuring that the strong foundation of existing ties would lead to flourishing relations in the future./.