Ambassador Fuentes said the distinction recognises Nghi’s contributions to fostering the traditional friendship, fraternal solidarity and cooperation between Vietnam and Cuba, noting that it is particularly meaningful during the Vietnam - Cuba Friendship Year marking the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

He described bilateral ties as an exemplary model of fraternal, united and heartfelt relations between two countries sharing common ideals, mutual affection and admiration, fostered by President Ho Chi Minh and Fidel Castro Ruz, the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution. This legacy is one that current and future generations must preserve and further develop.

In his previous roles as Minister of Construction and co-chair of the Vietnam-Cuba Inter-Governmental Committee on Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation, Nghi's leadership was instrumental in consolidating, expanding and diversifying bilateral economic, trade and cooperation links, Fuentes added.

Expressing honour at receiving the award from the Cuban State, Nghi thanked Cuba for acknowledging his personal contributions, saying that as co-chair of the inter-governmental committee, he had always strived to fulfill his duties, thus contributing to realising key policies of the two Parties, Governments and peoples.

He thanked leaders of the two countries’ Parties and Governments, as well as ministries, agencies and localities for their support, while voicing confidence that Cuba would continue to overcome challenges and achieve greater development, with friendship between two Parties, Governments and peoples and cooperation in economy, trade, investment, sci-tech and culture reaching new heights.

Vietnam lays solid groundwork for era of nation's rise: Cuban Ambassador

Vietnam’s ongoing efforts to streamline its political apparatus and the dynamism of its economy are creating a solid prerequisite for the country to enter a new era of development, Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Rogelio Polanco Fuentes has said.