State President hosts new ambassadors of Cuba, Zimbabwe, Bolivia

At a reception for Cuban Ambassador Rogelio Polanco Fuentes, President Cuong hailed the regular exchange of high-ranking delegations between the two countries’ ministries, agencies, localities and socio-political organizations, noting that the recent state visit to Cuba by Party General Secretary To Lam in September marked a major milestone as a contribution 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 bears in mind the solidarity and wholehearted support, both material and spiritual, that Cuba has extended to Vietnam during its past struggles for national liberation and reunification, as well as in the ongoing process of national construction and development, he said.

To further reinforce 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.

The Vietnamese State leader agreed with the diplomat on the need to continue fostering coordination and mutual support at international organizations 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 time-honoured 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 boost bilateral cooperation across multiple 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 strengthening ties 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, Cuong 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 Vietnamese 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 thriving ties relations in the coming time.