Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong made the affirmation while meeting with Cuba’s revolutionary leader Fidel Castro on April 11 (local time). He also briefed Mr Castro on Vietnam’s socioeconomic situation and the results of his talks with President Raul Castro.

Mr Trong said he was happy to meet Mr Castro and conveyed the best regards of the Vietnamese Party and State leaders to the former Cuban President.

For every Vietnamese person, Fidel Castro is a symbol of revolutionists and a communist who has devoted his life to the independence of oppressed countries around the world, he said, adding that the former President is always a great friend and comrade of the Vietnamese people.

Former President Fidel Castro expressed his admiration for Vietnam’s achievements and reviewed his memories from when he was in Vietnam during war time. He also thanked the Vietnamese people for their solidarity and support for Cuba.

Both leaders emphasized the importance of educating the younger generation about the revolutionary tradition, as well as ties of friendship between Cuba and Vietnam.

They also discussed international and regional issues of mutual concern.