The visit has helped to strengthen the traditional solidarity and cooperation between the two countries, especially as they are preparing for the 50^th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

Every delegate was very eager to visit the country and see their old friends and comrades. They were all very happy and moved when Cuba NA Chairman Ricardo Alarcon received them personally at Jose Marti International Airport.

For NA Chairman Trong, visiting Cuba seemed like returning home. He said only when going there does he fully feel Cuban people’s love for Vietnam.

The time-honoured Vietnam-Cuba relationship, founded and nurtured by late President Ho Chi Minh and former President Fidel Castro, has overcome a lot of challenges since the two countries first established diplomatic ties 50 years ago.

“The friendship was highlighted and strengthened as we met our former friends like hero Melba Henandez, who have spared no effort to help us in our struggle for independence,” said the NA chairman.

Shaking the hands of the 90-year-old comrade, who was the first chairwoman of the Cuban Committee for Solidarity with Vietnam, Mr. Trong cordially called her his “sister”. The heroine said although she is not healthy enough to visit Vietnam, she was very happy to see her Vietnamese friends come to visit her in Cuba.

A statue of Cuban national hero Jose Marti is seen in Hanoi, and a statue of President Ho Chi Minh in Havana. For Cuban people, Ho Chi Minh devoted his whole life to the nation and his statue is an asset of great spiritual value.

Cladiz Alared, a local resident, expressed her feelings while talking about President Ho and Vietnam. She said: “I know and understand Vietnam, it is a beautiful country with friendly and patriotic people. In his book entitled “The Golden Age”, national hero Jose Marti mentioned Vietnam. The Cuban people have always supported Vietnam in their past struggles against US aggressors. Despite the geographical distance, we remain as close to Vietnam as to the statue of President Ho here.”

While staying in Havana, the Vietnamese delegation had a chance to meet the Cuban sculptor who made the statue, Joel Diza Guterez, who said it was his most significant piece of work.

Joel Diza Guterez added, “With this statue placed, we want to show the Cuban people’s affection and respect for President Ho Chi Minh. President Ho’s birthday on May 19 is also a memorable day for Cuban people as their national hero Jose Marti laid down his life on the battlefield. The statue of President Ho brings a great deal of pride to the Cuban people, thanks to his spirit of national independence and good moral example.”

The traditional friendship between Vietnam and Cuba has been nurtured over many years by their faithful comrades and close friends. During NA Chairman Trong’s visit to Cuba, the Party and State presented 2,000 tonnes of rice to the Cuban people. The gift was fairly small but warm with the great friendship and kindness the Vietnamese people wanted to show their Cuban friends.

Vietnam has always attached a great deal of importance to strengthening cooperation with Cuba, especially in the agricultural sector. Vietnam helped the Cuban people start a rice growing project in 2003, which has enabled local farmers to double their productivity.

Bui Van Duong, who was involved in the project, said that he would never forget the image of President Castro when he said good-bye to the Vietnamese specialists who had to leave Cuba for their homeland.

Despite the numerous challenges ahead, the Cuban people are sure to achieve greater success in national construction and defence under the leadership of the Cuban Communist Party and State. It is also worth noting that Vietnam is ready to stand by Cuba in any circumstances, because they are good comrades and friends.