NA chairman Hue speaks in front of Cuban National Assembly

"When we speak of the Vietnam-Cuba relationship, we speak of a friendship that is special, loyal, pure and rare in international relations," Hue spoke in front of the Cuban National Assembly, according to a press release by the National Assembly office.

Hue is the first foreign leader to speak before the Cuban National Assembly, right before the Assembly voted for Cuba’s new leaders for the 2023-2028 term. It was an unprecedented occurrence and was a sign of respect from the Cuban National Assembly towards the Vietnam-Cuba relations, the NA office said.

Hue said he trusts that Cuba would overcome any challenge and would develop to be more prosperous, while relations between Vietnam and Cuba would deepen.

Vietnam and Cuba share several historical similarities and have been by each other’s side for over 60 years, Hue said. On December 2, 1960, Cuba became the first state in the Western hemisphere to establish full diplomatic relations with Vietnam, he added.

Hue said during his official visit to Cuba, the two countries’ National Assemblies are signing cooperation agreements.

Cuba’s National Assembly chairman Esteban Lazo Hernández affirmed that Vietnam and Cuba have an unbreakable relationship and friendship. As the world faces multiple crises, Vietnam and Cuba must continue to contribute to the maintenance of peace and promote sustainable development.

Hue is officially visiting Cuba from April 18 to April 23. The visit happens as the two countries commemorate the 60th anniversary of Cuba forming the Committee for Solidarity with South Vietnam, and the 50th anniversary of Cuban leader Fidel Castro’s first visit to Vietnam and to the liberated zone in South Vietnam in July 1973.

The Vietnam-Cuba relationship has always been bolstered in all aspects. Due to impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, the two countries’ bilateral trade turnover in 2022 reached around $182 million, a drop of around 30% compared to 2021. Vietnam’s total investment into Cuba has reached $28.4 million.

After Cuba, Hue would visit Argentina and Uruguay, which would also be the highest-level visits for a Vietnamese leader to the Latin American region in 2023.