Mr Manh’s tour aims to implement the Communist Party of Vietnam’s external policy of further tightening its time-honoured relations with Cuba and to enhance multifaceted cooperation with Chile, Brazil and Venezuela in order to broaden friendly relations with equal and mutually beneficial cooperation with these Latin American countries.

Since their diplomatic ties began on December 2, 1960, Vietnam-Cuba relations have been fostered and developed well, demonstrating the sentiments as well as the steadfast and faithful revolutionary stance of the two Parties, States and people. Generations of the Vietnamese people have never forgotten the Cuban people’s heart-felt sentiments and valuable assistance to Vietnam during the latter’s struggle for national independence, freedom and reunification in the past as well as national construction at present. The Vietnamese people have supported, followed with keen interest and been proud of the achievements made by the Cuban people in overcoming natural disasters and the US embargoes against the country.

During reciprocal visits by the two countries’ senior leaders, Vietnam and Cuba have agreed to raise the efficiency of their relations of solidarity, friendship and brotherhood in line with the strength and potential of each country. In 2006, two-way trade exchanges fetched approximately US$300 million. The two countries have frequently exchanged delegations of specialists in the fields of agriculture, husbandry, construction, health care and pharmacy. With its strength, Cuba is currently helping Vietnam build a national Bio-technology Centre.

This is the second time Mr Manh has paid the official visit to Cuba in his capacity as General Secretary, but the first time to Chile, Brazil and Venezuela. Over the past 10 years, delegations of the Vietnamese Party, State, Government and National Assembly have already visited Brazil, Venezuela and Chile.

In turns, former Chilean President Ricardo Lagos visited Vietnam in October 2003 and the incumbent Chilean President Michelle Bachelet made an official visit to Vietnam in November 2006 while attending the 14^th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Hanoi. The President of Venezuela Hugo Chavez visited Vietnam last summer, while the President of Brazil Lula da Silva will visit Vietnam later this year.

Relations between Vietnam and the three Latin American countries have developed strongly in politics, economics and culture. Brazil, Chile and Venezuela all support Vietnam’s current bid to become a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in the 2008-2009 period.

Trade exchanges between Vietnam and these countries have also grown and flourished accordingly. Businesses in these Latin American countries have begun to enjoy Vietnam’s great potential and cooperation opportunities driven by its rapid and dynamic economic growth. Vietnam is also increasing its exports of farm products, garments and textiles, footwear, electronics and handicraft products to these huge markets. Its recent entry to the World Trade Organisation is considered an important and favourable factor for facilitating economic, trade and investment ties with these countries.

During the tour, Mr Manh is expected to spend time meeting with the leaders of Communist, workers and left-wing parties in these countries and to consolidate and expand relations with their ruling parties. He will bring the strong support and solidarity of the Vietnamese Party, State and people to leftwing and progressive forces in these countries and other Latin American countries as a whole. 

The tour is expected to bring fresh impetus and key orientations to developing ties between Vietnam and Cuba, as well as with Brazil, Venezuela and Chile.