Special Edition 'Vietnam-Cuba: 65 years of shared friendship' launched

Delegates take a commemorative photo at the launch ceremony. (Photo: Quang Hoa)

The event was also honoured by the presence of Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Rogelio Polanco Fuentes and his spouse, Palestinian Ambassador and Head of the Diplomatic Corps in Vietnam Saadi Salama, Editor-in-Chief of The World and Vietnam Report Nguyen Truong Son; along with representatives from various agencies: the Department of International Cooperation under Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; the Party Central Committee's Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilisation; the International Cooperation Department under Ministry of Construction, the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Association, Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations; the Americas Department and the Press Information Department under Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In his opening speech, Editor-in-Chief of The World and Vietnam Report Nguyen Truong Son emphasized that 2025 is a memorable year in Vietnam-Cuba relations, marking 65 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries, with a state visit and participation in the 80th National Day celebration of Vietnam by First Secretary and President of Cuba Miguel Díaz-Canel. Thus, the Special Edition was meticulously and seriously prepared from the early days of the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Year 2025.

According to Editor-in-Chief Nguyen Truong Son, the publication is the result of an inspiring and dedicated process. This includes content outline development, topic selection, author invitations, editing, bilingual Vietnamese-Spanish translation, proofreading, design, and printing.

Nguyen Truong Son, Editor-in-Chief of The World and Vietnam Report, emphasized that the Special Edition "Vietnam-Cuba: 65 years of shared friendship" is the result of an inspiring and dedicated process. (Photo: Quang Hoa)

"We hope this is not just a journalistic product, but also a monographic publication that can be referenced and used in the coming years," shared Editor-in-Chief Nguyen Truong Son.

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The content of the Special Edition includes messages from the highest leaders of the Communist Parties of Vietnam and Cuba; messages, articles, and memories from many generations of leaders, diplomats, scholars, experts, and those who have been directly involved with Vietnam-Cuba relations over the past six decades.

Each article and story highlights an aspect of this special relationship, from political and diplomatic depth to economic, cultural, educational, healthcare cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges. The writings demonstrate the natural, enduring continuation of the two countries' friendship across generations, in different historical contexts.

On this occasion, the Editor-in-Chief of The World and Vietnam Report expressed deep gratitude to the close guidance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' leadership; the close, responsible coordination of the Cuban Embassy in Hanoi, the Vietnamese Embassy in Cuba, directly involving Ambassador Rogelio Polanco Fuentes and Ambassador Le Quang Long – who recently introduced this publication to Cuban friends at a solemn, warm ceremony in Havana; as well as the valuable contributions of ambassadors, diplomats, scholars, experts, and officials from both countries...

"We believe that the Special Edition "Vietnam-Cuba: 65 years of shared friendship" is a meaningful product of the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Year, contributing to the continued spread of the everlasting spirit and values of the special Vietnam-Cuba friendship, a bond that has transcended all geographical distances and harsh historical challenges, serving as a shining symbol of international solidarity," stated Editor-in-Chief Nguyen Truong Son.

Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Rogelio Polanco Fuentes affirmed that the writings and messages in the Special Edition are a true testament to the strong bond that the two nations have woven over the years. (Photo: Quang Hoa)

For his part, Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Rogelio Polanco Fuentes affirmed that the writings and messages in the Special Edition are a true testament to the strong bond that the two nations have woven over the years, showcasing the diverse bilateral relationship that has deeply permeated the hearts of the people of both countries.

According to Ambassador Fuentes, the articles not only revisit the proud heroic history but also show that bilateral cooperation is thriving in all areas: politics, economy, trade, defense, security, foreign affairs, culture...

"We are proud of the brotherhood nurtured by President Ho Chi Minh and Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro during the revolutionary struggle, which has been continued and preserved intact by generations of leaders and people from both countries, becoming a model of special relations between the two Parties, States, and peoples," the Cuban diplomat stated.

Ambassador Fuentes particularly emphasized that in a world still facing many instabilities and challenges, Vietnam and Cuba remain steadfast in their goal of building socialism, ensuring social justice and people's happiness, protecting independence and sovereignty, and standing in solidarity and support of each other.

"Therefore, today's launch of the Special Edition is a meaningful highlight, successfully concluding the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Year with a series of extensive commemorative activities, contributing to elevating the relationship between the two countries to new heights," he said.

Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang stated that the Special Edition has conveyed the sentiments, spirit, sharing, empathy, determination, and hope for a bright future in Vietnam-Cuba relations. (Photo: Quang Hoa)

Recalling the historical significance of December 2, 1960, Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang affirmed that this is an extremely important milestone, marking the official establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Cuba.

Through many historical ups and downs, overcoming spatial and temporal distances, the two brotherly nations have built an "extremely special, unprecedented relationship that has become a model in international relations." In this context, today's launch of the Special Edition is a practical activity to continue the inspiration and tradition of 65 years of friendship, while also contributing to summarizing and concluding the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Year 2025.

Praising the content and form of the publication, Deputy Minister Dang Hoang Giang stated that the Special Edition, with a scale of 180 pages, is a comprehensive, rich, and rare publication in both Vietnamese and Spanish, reflecting the stature of the bilateral relationship.

However, the core value of the publication lies in the convergence of the intellect and emotions of the most important figures and the most vivid witnesses of the relationship between the two countries.

These values are conveyed through the writings, stories, and commitments of the leaders of the two countries, ambassadors, the people of both nations, as well as the younger generation, creating a vibrant overall picture of the special relationship between Vietnam and Cuba.

On this occasion, the Deputy Minister expressed gratitude for the messages from First Secretary and President of Cuba Miguel Díaz-Canel; the leaders of Vietnam and Cuba; veteran ambassadors, diplomats, experts, and students who have studied in both countries for their contributions to the Special Edition.

Additionally, Deputy Minister Dang Hoang Giang emphasized that the 65-year milestone is extremely important, but above all, it is the deep belief that the Vietnam-Cuba relationship has become a tradition and will last forever.

"The launch of this Special Edition is not only a reminiscence but also a commitment to the future. Closing 2025 also opens a new journey, a new chapter for an even better, stronger relationship between the two countries, for the prosperity of both nations," the Deputy Minister expressed confidence.

Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang presents the Special Edition "Vietnam-Cuba: 65 years of shared friendship" to Ambassador Rogelio Polanco Fuentes. (Photo: Quang Hoa)

Some images from the event:

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