Cuban top legislator Esteban Lazo strengthens ties with Ho Chi Minh City during official Vietnam visit
President of the National Assembly of People’s Power and President of the Council of State of Cuba Esteban Lazo Hernández had working sessions with the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organisations (HUFO) and Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education (HCMUTE) on October 3 as part of his ongoing official trip to Vietnam.
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| The Cuban leader visited the HCMUTE, where they explored advanced training in science – technology, and smart agriculture. (Photo: thanhnien.vn) |
Welcoming the Cuban leader, Nguyen Van Loi, head of the city's delegation of National Assembly deputies, recalled 65 years of Vietnam–Cuba relations, affirming Lazo Hernández visit as a vivid testament to the special bond nurtured by President Ho Chi Minh and Cuban leader Fidel Castro. He said that the city treasures the unwavering support Cuba gave Vietnam during its struggle for independence and national construction.
The immortal words of Fidel Castro – “For Vietnam, Cuba is willing to shed its blood” – remain etched in the hearts of million Vietnamese people, he underscored, stating the enduring friendship has been forged through hardships, sacrifices, and loyalty.
For his part, the top Cuban legislator praised the achievements that Vietnam has obtained over the recent past, with HCM City emerging as the nation’s economic powerhouse.
Briefing on Cuba’s formidable challenges due to embargo, he acknowledged Vietnam’s nationwide campaign that raised over 14 million USD to support the country. The funds, he said, helped the Caribbean nation settle one of its most critical needs, which is to provide solar energy for schools and remote areas.
The “sunshine without border” programme has deepened the bilateral ties while strengthening connections between HCM City and Cuban localities, he added.
Earlier, the Cuban leader visited the HCMUTE, where they explored advanced training in science – technology, and smart agriculture. He lauded the university’s strengths in renewable energy, hydrogen, telecommunications, digital infrastructure, and interdisciplinary research in AI, IoT, automation, robotics, and food technology.
Chairwoman of the University Council Truong Thi Hien said the university stands ready to establish and promote bilateral training programmes in the domains of mutual interest. She proposed cooperation in student and lecturer exchange, short training courses, research, technology transfer, and organisation of international forums.
She also expressed her hope to receive support from Cuban universities, research institutes, and experts in developing medical technology, leveraging Cuba's strengths in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, bio technology and community health systems.
