Top Cuban legislator visits historical landmark in Quang Tri

Following French failure at the Dien Bien Pu battle in 1954, the Geneva Agreement was signed, under which a demilitarized zone on the 17th parallel, from the mouth of the Ben Hai River along the length of the river to the Vietnam-Laos border, became a temporary military line dividing Vietnam into two regions.

Hien Luong Bridge was destroyed by American bombs in 1967, and the bridge became a symbol of the division of the country into North and South. Quang Tri province later restored the bridge based on the design of the original bridge built by France in 1952 in order to preserve the special national historical relic complex.

Meeting with local officials and people, President Esteban Lazo Hernandez recalled Cuban leader Fidel Castro’s historic visit to the liberated zone in Quang Tri and his famous statement “For Vietnam, Cuba is willing to shed its blood” 50 year ago.

He affirmed that despite geographical distance, the two countries have over the past decades provided mutual support and assistance and shared happiness and joy, even in the most difficult times. He said leader Castro’s statement has become the motto of the faithful and pure relationship between Vietnam and Cuba both in the past, at present and in the future.

The President of the National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba arrived in Hanoi on September 24, beginning a five-day official visit to Vietnam at the invitation of the Vietnamese Party and State leaders. Among activities, he is scheduled to attend a ceremony to mark 50 years of leader Fidel Castro’s trip to the liberated zone in Vietnam.