Hanoi (VNA) – Cuba is celebratingthe 60th anniversary of the triumph of the Cuban Revolution (January 1, 1959),which was significant to not only the country but also the whole Latin Americain the 20th century.

The remark was made by Cuban Ambassador toVietnam Lianys Torres Rivera in an interview about this event with Vietnam NewsAgency.

The ambassador stressed that the success of theCuban Revolution on January 1, 1959, which put an end to the Batistadictatorial regime and the 500 years of the colonial rule in Cuba, was one ofthe most influential political events in Latin America in the 20th century.

To Cuba, this victory was the result of thestruggle for national liberation launched in the 19th century that foughtagainst firstly the Spanish colonialists and then the US-backed administration.

Following the triumph, inclusive social anddemocratic policies were implemented, turning Cuba into one of the world’sleading nations in terms of health care, education, sports and culture, thediplomat noted.

Social achievements of the Cuban Revolution havebrought benefits to many other countries, Rivera said, adding that more than35,600 medical workers of 138 countries have received free training in Cuba.Cuban doctors have also performed tasks in 165 countries around the world.Through the “Yo, sí puedo” or “Yes, I can” programme designed by Cuban experts,more than 9 million people in 30 countries have escaped from illiteracy.

Meanwhile, Cuba has played an active role in theNon-Aligned Movement. It has taken the lead in setting up integration andpolitical consultation mechanisms like the Bolivarian Alliance forthe Peoples of Our America (ALBA-TCP) and the Community of Latin American andCaribbean States (CELAC), she added.

Regarding the Vietnam-Cuba relations, theambassador said the two countries should lift their economic and trade ties onpar with the sound political connections. They are currently making efforts tostrengthen trade links and increase Vietnamese businesses’ presence ininvestment projects in Cuba.

During a State visit by General Secretary of theCommunist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong from March 28 to30 this year, Cuban leaders re-affirmed their support for Vietnameseenterprises’ engagement in the local development process.

Ambassador Rivera noted the two sides shouldkeep realising the agreements reached during Trong’s visit and an official tripfrom November 8 to 10 by President of the Cuban Council of State and Council ofMinisters Miguel Diaz-Canel. They need to continue bringing into play the roleof cooperation mechanisms like the Inter-governmental Committee, which convenedthe latest meeting in Havana last November.

Additionally, the countries need to supporteconomic sectors so that Vietnamese businesses can expand their presence inCuba and promote exchange initiatives in the fields the Caribbean nation isstrong at such as health care, medicine and sports. They should also furtherutilize their cooperation experiences in agriculture, biotechnology,construction, science-technology, justice, tertiary education, journalism andculture, the diplomat added. –VNA