Seminar marks the 60th anniversary of Fidel Castro's historic declaration 'For Vietnam, Cuba is ready to shed its blood'
WVR - On February 5, a special seminar commemorating the 60th anniversary of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro's historic declaration: "For Vietnam, Cuba is ready to shed its blood" took place at the University of Havana (Cuba).
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| The seminar commemorating the 60th anniversary of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro's historic declaration contributes to deepening the understanding of Cuba's younger generation about the special Vietnam-Cuba relationship. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Cuba) |
The seminar was jointly organized by the Vietnamese Embassy in Cuba, the "Ho Chi Minh" Vietnam Studies Department of the University of Havana, the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), and the Cuba-Vietnam Friendship Association.
The event was co-chaired by Vietnamese Ambassador to Cuba Le Quang Long, Mr. Fernando González Llort, President of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), and Ms. Yolanda Ferrer Gómez, President of the Cuba-Vietnam Friendship Association.
The seminar was attended by representatives from the leadership of the University of Havana, researchers from the Fidel Castro Ruz Center, Cuban foreign affairs officials from various periods, as well as numerous lecturers, students, and Cuban friends deeply interested in the special Vietnam-Cuba friendship, along with all staff members of the Vietnamese Embassy in Cuba.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Le Quang Long expressed his delight at participating in this significant event as Cuba is organizing numerous activities to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro. At the same time, the two countries have successfully celebrated the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Year 2025 on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations (1960-2025).
The Ambassador emphasized that the large participation of Cuban scholars and students is a vivid testament to the enduring and steadfast affection that the Cuban people have always held for Vietnam.
Recalling the context of the historic declaration, Ambassador Le Quang Long noted that on January 2, 1966, at the 7th-anniversary celebration of the Cuban Revolution's victory, before more than 500 international delegates attending the first Afro-Asian-Latin American Solidarity Conference, Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro affirmed: "We are willing to shed not only sugar but also our blood for the people of Vietnam" – a statement later condensed into the immortal declaration: "For Vietnam, Cuba is willing to shed its blood".
This was not merely a statement but a high expression of the pure international proletarian spirit, reflecting the sincere sentiments of the Cuban people towards the just struggle of the Vietnamese people.
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| Ambassador Le Quang Long: Leader Fidel Castro always holds a special place in the hearts of the Vietnamese people. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Cuba) |
The Ambassador affirmed that from 1960 until Vietnam's complete liberation and reunification in 1975, there was hardly a significant speech by Fidel Castro that did not mention Vietnam, expressing admiration for President Ho Chi Minh and the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people.
Fidel Castro was also the first and only foreign head of state to visit the liberated zone of Quang Tri in September 1973. His image of waving the flag of the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam has become a vivid symbol of the fighting solidarity and brotherly bond between Vietnam and Cuba.
Along with political, spiritual, and diplomatic support, Cuba provided Vietnam with valuable material assistance during the war and the country's reconstruction phase, with notable projects such as the Thang Loi Hotel (Hanoi), Dong Hoi Hospital (Quang Binh), dairy farms in Moc Chau (Son La), and the Xuan Mai – Tay Son road, vividly embodying the spirit of "willing to shed its blood" that Fidel Castro affirmed.
In their presentations at the seminar, Cuban scholars, including representatives from the Fidel Castro Ruz Center and the Cuba-Vietnam Friendship Association, deeply analyzed Fidel Castro's special role in initiating and maintaining a broad international solidarity movement supporting Vietnam. They also clarified why Fidel holds a special place in the hearts of the Vietnamese people.
Many scholars shared touching stories and memories of Fidel Castro's historic visit to Vietnam in 1973, as well as the deep respect and gratitude that generations of Vietnamese people have always held for the Cuban leader.
Concluding the seminar, delegates affirmed that over six decades, the noble international solidarity spirit left by Fidel Castro remains of contemporary value. The traditional friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Cuba are invaluable assets of the two nations, a rare model in contemporary international relations, which should be preserved and promoted by today's and future generations.
The seminar contributes to deepening the understanding of Cuba's younger generation about the special Vietnam-Cuba relationship, while continuing to spread the enduring value of the historic declaration: "For Vietnam, Cuba is willing to shed its blood" – an eternal symbol of solidarity and loyalty between the two brotherly nations across the hemispheres.
(Source: Embassy of Vietnam in Cuba)
