Mr. Nguyen Xuan Phong, former Director of the Americas Department (Ministry of Foreign Affairs ), former Vietnamese Ambassador to Spain:
Vietnam - Cuba: True love since the beginning
I have been attached to Cuba since I was a cadre of the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam (NLF) in charge of foreign affairs, and then continued in diplomatic work after 1975. There are many memories that cannot be recounted, but there are two special impressions that I will never forget.
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| Mr. Nguyen Xuan Phong, former Director of the Department of Americas ( Ministry of Foreign Affairs ), former Vietnamese Ambassador to Spain, spoke at the National Launching Ceremony of the Program to Support the Cuban People, August 13, 2025. (Screenshot: Thanh Luan) |
In the early 1960s, I was sent by the Front to work at the Representative Office in Havana - the Front's first representative office abroad, and also the first in the world . After the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1960, Cuba was the first country to recognize the Front and establish the Cuban Committee for Solidarity with South Vietnam. These were courageous decisions in the context of the Cold War. Cuba's 'raising high' of the Front's flag not only affirmed the just nature of the struggle for national liberation of Vietnam, but also contributed to gathering a wide range of supporters around the world.
The second memory is when I was an interpreter during the first visit to Vietnam by Leader Fidel Castro in 1973, especially the historic trip to the liberated area of Quang Tri. That was the peak of Vietnam-Cuba solidarity during the resistance war against the US. From that point on, the two countries entered a new phase, together overcoming many difficulties to develop.
If in the past, when Vietnam was in difficulty, Cuba wholeheartedly helped, today, when you face challenges, we must unite even more wholeheartedly. The immediate task is to join the international community in demanding an end to the blockade and embargo against Cuba; at the same time, support you in developing your internal food resources, applying modern farming techniques, and developing industry and energy. Cuba has been a friend since our humble beginnings and we will continue to develop this relationship more deeply and firmly.
Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Viet Thao, Permanent Vice President of the Vietnam - Cuba Friendship Association:
People-to-people diplomacy creates a solid social foundation for Vietnam - Cuba relations
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| Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Viet Thao, Permanent Vice President of the Vietnam - Cuba Friendship Association, spoke at the Vietnam - Cuba Friendship Meeting program to commemorate the 72nd anniversary of the attack on Moncada Fortress, July 26, 2025. (Photo: Dinh Hoa) |
In the Vietnam - Cuba relationship, people-to-people diplomacy plays a special role: creating and consolidating a solid political and social foundation for brotherhood and solidarity in combat. We, those who have studied in Cuba, clearly feel this: from children, teenagers to the elderly, everyone understands and has special feelings for Vietnam.
Cuba is the leading force rallying progressive forces in Latin America and the world; when the two countries support each other, the influence will spread to all progressive people around the world. This is a unique feature of this special relationship.
In order for the Vietnam-Cuba friendship to continue to blossom and bear fruit, today’s young generation must be the ones to preserve and promote it. It is necessary to increase information and propaganda, even include the content of this special relationship in textbooks at all levels. This is the source, the inheritance of revolutionary sentiment from one generation to the next.
In the age of widespread fake news, we need to proactively introduce Cuba and our brotherhood - a bond of friendship formed in the midst of war, sharing every cassava root and grain of rice.
Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Truong Thang, Member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Minister of National Defense:
Vietnam always stands by Cuba in all circumstances
Vietnam and Cuba are half a world apart, but their hearts are always close. In 1960, Cuba was the first country in the Western Hemisphere to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam. During the resistance war against the US, under the leadership of Fidel Castro, Cuba wholeheartedly supported Vietnam. The immortal saying "For Vietnam, Cuba is willing to sacrifice its own blood" has become a symbol of pure and loyal international solidarity.
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| Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Truong Thang, member of the Party Central Committee and Deputy Minister of National Defense, speaks at the national launching ceremony of the Program to support the Cuban people. (Photo: Vietnam Fatherland Front) |
In 2023, during a working trip to Cuba, I traveled to Santiago de Cuba and visited the resting place of Fidel Castro. It was a moving moment, reminding us of our respect and gratitude for him and the Cuban people.
Over the past 65 years, the two countries have stood side by side, fostering the traditional friendship, loyal solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and special trust - the legacy built by President Ho Chi Minh and President Fidel Castro. The Vietnam People's Army and the Cuban Revolutionary Army regularly share experiences and support each other both materially and spiritually, contributing to firmly protecting the independence and sovereignty of each country.
Cuba is currently facing difficulties in food, energy and healthcare. The campaign to support the Cuban people is not only material, but also a sharing, continuing tradition, affirming that Vietnam is always by Cuba's side in all circumstances. This is also an opportunity for the entire Party, people and army to continue to nurture the special friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Cuba to a new level, more substantial, effective and sustainable.
According to the Central Committee of the Vietnam Red Cross Society, as of 11:00 a.m. on August 14, 2025, the Program to support the Cuban people, chaired by the Central Committee of the Vietnam Red Cross Society under the assignment of the Party, State, and Vietnam Fatherland Front, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education and Training, the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations, the Vietnam - Cuba Friendship Association, news agencies, newspapers, and many related units, has received VND 23,960,717,116 from agencies, organizations, businesses, and individuals. Program support information: – Unit name: VIETNAM RED CROSS SOCIETY – Account number: 2022 – Bank: Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank (MBBank) – Transfer content: CUBA Reception period: From August 13 to October 16, 2025. |
Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/viet-nam-cuba-tron-tinh-tu-thuo-han-vi-215557.html
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