Support mobilisation programme launched for Cuban people, marking 65 years of Vietnam–Cuba relations
WVR - On the morning of 13 August, the national launching ceremony of the programme to mobilise support for the Cuban people took place. This practical activity is part of the initiatives under the “Vietnam-Cuba Year of Friendship 2025”, marking the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Cuba (1960–2025).
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| The delegates jointly performed the launching ceremony of the mobilisation programme. (Photo: Hong Chau) |
The programme, chaired by the Vietnam Red Cross Society Central Committee, is organised in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education and Training, the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations, the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Association, Vietnam Television, the Voice of Vietnam, the Vietnam News Agency and Nhan Dan Newspaper.
Attending the launching ceremony were: Do Van Chien - Member of the Politburo, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and Central Mass Organisations, and President of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front; Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Truong Thang - Member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Minister of National Defence; Tran Thanh Lam - Deputy Head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Communication and Public Affairs; Dang Hoang Giang - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, among others.
Also in attendance were the Cuban Ambassador Rogelio Polanco Fuentes; representatives of embassies in Hanoi; members of the Vietnam-Cuba Parliamentary Friendship Group; the Vietnam-Cuba Inter-governmental Committee; and representatives of major enterprises and corporations.
The programme aims to mobilise resources to assist the Cuban people with medical supplies, essential goods and in areas of sustainable development cooperation, helping them overcome difficulties caused by the pandemic, natural disasters and the policy of blockade and embargo.
It is also a humanitarian activity of profound significance, reflecting the enduring affection, close bonds and international solidarity of the Vietnamese people towards the Cuban people. It is an occasion to express gratitude for Cuba’s noble acts towards Vietnam during difficult times.
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| Do Van Chien, Member of the Politburo, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and Central Mass Organisations, and President of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, delivers a speech at the launching ceremony. (Photo: Hong Chau) |
Referring to the challenges Cuba has faced in recent years, President of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Do Van Chien stressed in his speech at the launching ceremony that the programme carries a deeply humanitarian meaning. It is an expression of the Vietnamese nation’s tradition of compassion and a vivid testimony to the faithful, pure and close-knit relationship between the two nations.
“With that in mind, the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front has agreed for the Vietnam Red Cross Society Central Committee to take the lead, in coordination with economic organisations, socio-political organisations and mass organisations, to harness the strength of great national solidarity. We call upon all strata of Vietnamese society to support Cuba both materially and spiritually. We appeal to all levels, sectors, member organisations of the Front, the business community, individuals in Vietnam and foreigners living and working here to take practical action to help our Cuban brothers and sisters overcome difficulties, stabilise their lives and continue developing the country along the socialist path chosen by the Party and people of Cuba”, Mr Do Van Chien stated.
Nguyen Hai Anh, Vice President and Secretary-General of the Vietnam Red Cross Society, noted that on 2 December 1960, Cuba became the first country in the Western Hemisphere to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam. Over the past 65 years, the two countries have stood shoulder to shoulder in the struggle for national independence and freedom, as well as in the cause of building and defending socialism in each of their respective countries.
The traditional solidarity, special friendship, comprehensive cooperation and particularly trustworthy relations between the Parties, States and peoples of Vietnam and Cuba have been continuously nurtured and comprehensively developed, becoming a great source of encouragement, valuable support and a significant contribution to the revolutionary cause of each nation.
The Vietnam-Cuba Joint Statement of September 2024 designated 2025 as the Vietnam-Cuba Year of Friendship, affirming the determination to elevate their special relationship to new heights, developing it comprehensively, substantively, effectively and sustainably, and reaffirming Vietnam’s solidarity and steadfast support for Cuba’s efforts to overcome the difficulties and challenges it is currently facing.
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| Nguyen Hai Anh, Vice President and Secretary-General in charge of executive affairs of the Vietnam Red Cross Society, speaks at the launching ceremony. (Photo: Hong Chau) |
For 65 years, Vietnam-Cuba relations have been a model of international solidarity, loyalty and steadfastness. From Fidel Castro’s immortal words, “For Vietnam, Cuba is willing to devote even its own blood”, to tangible acts of sharing in peacetime, the two countries have always stood side-by-side in pursuit of common goals.
“The programme will run for 65 days, starting today - 13 August, the 99th birth anniversary of leader Fidel Castro - until 16 October 2025, aiming to raise at least 65 billion VND to support the Cuban people with food, essential goods and sustainable humanitarian activities. This is not only a humanitarian campaign but also a strong message to the international community that Vietnam always stands with Cuba, just as Cuba always stands with Vietnam”, Mr Nguyen Hai Anh emphasised.
According to Mr Nguyen Hai Anh, during the 65 days of the programme, organisations, individuals, citizens and entities may participate by contributing funds through various forms: donations among officials, members, youth union members and workers in agencies, organisations, schools and residential communities; fundraising from businesses and organisations at home and abroad; direct and online contributions via the Vietnam Red Cross Society Central Committee; QR code bank transfers; public donation boxes; mobile applications (Thien Nguyen App, Viettel Money); and the Vietnam Red Cross Society’s website. Creative campaigns will also be launched in schools, such as letter-writing and “small plan” fundraising for Cuban children.
All contributions will be transparently received and managed by the Vietnam Red Cross Society Central Committee and delivered to the Cuban people by 2025.
At the launching ceremony, leaders of the Vietnam Red Cross Society Central Committee called upon ministries, central agencies, socio-political organisations, mass organisations, provinces, cities, agencies, units, enterprises, officials, public employees, officers, soldiers, workers, students and compatriots at home and abroad to actively respond and support the programme. This will further embellish the image of a Vietnam that is loyal, compassionate, steadfast, sharing and humane. They also called on international organisations, diplomatic missions, the business community and international friends in Vietnam to enthusiastically participate, joining hands to spread the message: “Vietnam–Cuba: Forever side-by-side through trials - Sharing through hardships” and “Vietnam always there”.
Mr Nguyen Hai Anh also requested Red Cross Societies in provinces and cities to proactively advise local Party committees and authorities on plans to respond to the programme; to widely launch the campaign and mobilise participation from agencies, units, enterprises, schools, armed forces and the public in their areas. Each locality should set appropriate mobilisation targets and goals, and implement diverse forms of communication and advocacy to help fulfil and exceed the national target.
* Donation details for the programme:
- Recipient: Central Committee of the Vietnam Red Cross Society
- Account number: 2022
- Bank: Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank (MBBank)
- Transfer description: CUBA
Donation period: From 13 August 2025 to 16 October 2025.
