Cuba-Vietnam: From revolutionary symbol to comprehensive development cooperation
WVR - The historical relationship between Vietnam and Cuba, established by President Ho Chi Minh and Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz, has been preserved and developed by generations of leaders and citizens of both countries over the decades.
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| Cuban President Fidel Castro proudly waves the battle-hardened flag adorned with medals of the Khe Sanh Brigade, the Liberation Army of Tri-Thien-Hue, at Hill 241 during his visit to the liberated southern region of Vietnam, September 16, 1973. (Source: VNA) |
In 2025, the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Year, this relationship continues to be strengthened and elevated to new heights. Cuba and Vietnam have organized numerous meaningful activities to commemorate 65 years of diplomatic relations. A highlight is the official visit to Vietnam by the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba, President of the Republic of Cuba Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and Vietnam’s National Day.
A special relationship
During the visit, First Secretary and President Miguel Díaz-Canel affirmed: “The relationship between Vietnam and Cuba is a special one, having withstood the test of time and becoming a model of friendship and cooperation, especially as the world faces many serious challenges to peace and stability.”
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| Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Rogelio Polanco Fuentes. |
This special relationship extends beyond conventional diplomacy, as it is formed and nurtured from deep traditions and identities, originating from the days when the Cuban people continuously condemned the crimes of imperialism in Vietnam. This brotherly affection deepened further when the historical leader of the Cuban Revolution declared before thousands of Cubans: “For Vietnam, we are ready to shed our blood.” Today, we affirm that these sentiments remain intact, and we continue to be ready to shed our blood for Vietnam.”
The joint statement of the two countries considers the visit “a significant milestone in the relationship between the two Parties, States, and peoples, contributing to strengthening and promoting the sustainable development of traditional solidarity, special friendship, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Cuba in the new era, for the benefit of the two peoples, for socialism, peace, cooperation, and development in each region and the world.”
In addition to high-level exchanges, many members of the Cuban Communist Party's Politburo have visited Vietnam, including: President of the National Assembly of People's Power and the Council of State Esteban Lazo Hernández; Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa; General Álvaro López Miera, Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces; General Lázaro Alberto Álvarez Casas, Minister of the Interior; and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla.
Numerous important bilateral meetings have positively assessed the relations between the two countries and emphasized strategic visions in cooperation. Notable events include the 6th Theoretical Workshop between the Communist Party of Cuba and the Communist Party of Vietnam; the 2nd International Scientific Workshop titled “Fidel Castro - Ho Chi Minh: Revolutionary Vision”; the 2nd Session of the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Committee; the 62nd Session of the Intergovernmental Committee; the 8th Political Consultation between the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and the 10th Session of the Vietnam-Cuba Business Committee.
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| General Secretary To Lam and First Secretary, President of the Republic of Cuba Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez witness the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on healthcare cooperation between the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee and the Cuban Ministry of Health during the state visit to Vietnam, September 2025. (Source: Nhan Dan) |
Writing a new chapter
A new phase in economic, trade, and investment relations between Vietnam and Cuba, aiming for more comprehensive, effective, and sustainable cooperation, began with the historic visit of the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Comrade To Lam, to Cuba in September 2024. This year, the relationship has seen many significant achievements.
The rice production project in Los Palacios, Pinar del Río Province, implemented by the Vietnamese company Agri VMA, has achieved initial results, significantly contributing to the goal of ensuring national food sovereignty and security. The valuable cooperation experiences of Vietnamese organizations in this field are being developed into mutually beneficial investment projects, technology transfer, and the application of new management models, yielding encouraging results.
The establishment of the Genfarma joint venture and the inauguration of a plant for researching, producing, and commercializing advanced Cuban biotechnology products in Vietnam have opened up promising new cooperation prospects in the biopharmaceutical field, aiming to improve the health of the people of both countries.
The upcoming solar power project by Vietnamese enterprises in Cuba is a clear testament to support for Cuba's national power system amid current difficulties, while also contributing to the transition to renewable energy sources in the country. This is also a goal that Vietnam is steadfastly pursuing in its economic development strategy.
Recently, the Cuban government has created favorable conditions and applied many preferential policies for Vietnamese enterprises investing and doing business in the country, as well as for new investors willing to share benefits and risks.
At a meeting with the Vietnamese business community during President Miguel Díaz-Canel's visit to Hanoi, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh delivered a profound message: “Vietnam overcame its most difficult years partly thanks to the support and assistance of countries and international partners, including Cuba. If, as President Fidel Castro once declared, ‘For Vietnam, Cuba is willing to shed its blood,’ then Vietnamese businesses, for Cuba, should also be willing to dedicate their time, effort, and intellect, demonstrating the brave, resilient, and loyal tradition of the Vietnamese nation.”
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| Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Rogelio Polanco Fuentes and teachers along with students from Vietnam-Cuba Primary School (Hanoi) view the photo exhibition commemorating the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries (December 2, 1960 - December 2, 2025) organized by the school, August 21, 2025. |
Hearts beating as one
If one had to choose a standout event in 2025 that best exemplifies the special relationship between Vietnam and Cuba, it would be the fundraising campaign launched by the Vietnam Red Cross, under the direction of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, to support the Cuban people. The campaign quickly achieved its goals, attracting widespread participation from the public, with diverse initiatives, significant contributions, and heartfelt messages. This not only provides practical support to Cuba amid current difficulties but also serves as concrete evidence of the solidarity between the two countries in jointly mitigating the severe consequences of the harsh economic, trade, and financial embargo imposed by the United States on Cuba.
The voice of the Vietnamese people continues to be strongly expressed through the speech of President Luong Cuong at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, where he reaffirmed Vietnam’s solidarity with the Cuban people and called on the United States to lift the embargo and remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism.
The Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Year, with numerous activities and events, showcases the special relationship between the two countries. The enduring bond and loyalty between the two peoples have been maintained and passed down from generation to generation over the decades. This is clearly reflected in the emotional words of a Vietnamese citizen in response to the damage caused by typhoons and floods and the call to support those affected: “Half of my heart belongs to Cuba, the other half to my compatriots in the flood-stricken areas.”
