Vietnam in my heart - Former Cuba's Ambassador to Vietnam Jesús Aise Sotolongo
WVR - Over the past 65 years, the relationship between Cuba and Vietnam has been continuously strengthened, moving towards an increasingly bright future. This relationship is forged from the enduring legacy of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz and President Ho Chi Minh, along with the steadfast determination of the leadership generations of both countries.
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| Mr. Jesús Aise Sotolongo takes a commemorative photo in front of President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. |
Like every other Cuban, I was raised in the spirit of solidarity with the struggle of the Vietnamese people and with deep respect for their heroic achievements in the historic resistance for liberation and national unification.
Fidel's immortal words: “For Vietnam, we are ready to shed blood...” are etched in our hearts as well as in the hearts of all Vietnamese people.
Vietnamese inspiration
Vietnam is a shining example of a nation willing to sweat and bleed for freedom and independence, rising from the ashes and ruins left by devastating wars. Vietnam inspires us to continue defending and developing our revolutionary path.
Having had the privilege of visiting Vietnam multiple times and traveling to most parts of the country, I gained a deeper understanding of the economic development process during the Doi Moi reforms. I witnessed firsthand, under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the bold spirit, intelligence, and creativity of the people being strongly harnessed to advance the nation on the path of socio-economic development and regional and international integration.
The detailed information provided by leaders, officials, and experts of the Party and State has greatly contributed to my professional development. I received comprehensive and profound explanations of the Doi Moi concepts, the nature of the socialist-oriented market economy, the transition processes in agriculture and industry ownership and management, proactive monetary and financial policy implementation, international trade openness, foreign investment attraction, bilateral and multilateral economic agreements, and many other proactive policies. They also shared valuable experiences regarding both successes and limitations in the economic transition process.
My understanding of Doi Moi was further enriched through visits to historical sites where Vietnamese troops executed bold and strategic military operations, combining the bravery of soldiers and guerrillas, even under limited technical conditions, to defeat the war machines of France and the United States.
Additionally, I had close encounters with Vietnam's rich culture, from ancestral traditions and diverse art forms to unique cuisine, all blending into an enchanting Vietnamese cultural identity.
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| Mr. Jesús Aise Sotolongo speaks at the 45th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Cuba diplomatic relations (1960-2005). |
Close comradeship
The four years I served as Cuba's Ambassador to Vietnam were filled with a busy schedule, yet it was the friendship, solidarity, cooperation, and selfless support of the Party, State, and people of Vietnam that helped me fulfill my duties. With genuine affection, senior leaders and officials provided invaluable assistance to ensure the operations of the Cuban State Delegation in Vietnam. A political trust, mutual understanding, and close comradeship were formed. I was affectionately called "Comrade Ambassador".
Events in Cuba always receive special attention from the Vietnamese press. No major Cuban holiday goes uncelebrated in Vietnam as if it were their own, and Cubans are always invited to participate and hold a place of honor at every event.
However, what touched me the most was the opportunity to be close to the Vietnamese people. It was moving to see that everywhere, in cities, villages, factories, farms, schools..., people, whether men, women, the elderly, or children, spoke of Cuba, Fidel, and José Martí with sincerity and pride. The hospitality and warm, discreet smiles of the Vietnamese made every journey memorable.
Between Cuba and Vietnam exists a special traditional and strategic friendship. This relationship is forged from shared historical struggles for national liberation, anti-imperialist spirit, common ideological foundations, and socialist-oriented development paths. These elements create a determination to continuously strengthen and develop the close, loyal relationship between the two Parties, States, and peoples, clearly reflected in all bilateral cooperation activities.
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| Former General Secretary Nong Duc Manh receives Mr. Jesus Aise Sotolongo for a farewell meeting at the end of his term in Vietnam. (Source: VNA) |
Entering a new phase
The Joint Declarations during the visits of General Secretary, President To Lam to Havana, and First Secretary, President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez to Hanoi in September 2024 and 2025, are vivid evidence of the strengthening relationship between the two countries, clearly demonstrating the determination of both sides to promote extensive cooperation in key areas such as agriculture, food processing industry, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, healthcare, energy, telecommunications, tourism, construction, transportation, high technology, digital transformation, and many other fields. Both sides are also enhancing high-level exchanges of the Party, Government, defense, security, National Assembly, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Overcoming the test of time as well as special difficulties and risks in a complex international context, the relationship between Cuba and Vietnam is entering a new phase, associated with modern bilateral cooperation concepts and creative cooperation models.
Many cooperation agreements are being implemented, bringing practical benefits to Cuba as the country continues to face challenges due to the tightening of the economic, trade, and financial embargo imposed by the U.S. government.
In the "Cuba-Vietnam Friendship Year", and in the future, it is essential to continue to maximize the advantages of the current favorable development phase in bilateral relations, aiming to elevate economic cooperation to match the political relationship, promote diversification, expand cooperation, and achieve mutual support between sectors and enterprises, ensuring effective cooperation and sharing experiences in a deep, sustainable manner.
Mr. Jesús Aise Sotolongo is a Doctor of Economic Sciences, researcher, and professor at the Center for International Policy Research in Cuba. From 1993-2003, he conducted numerous research visits on the economic aspects of Doi Moi, and from 2004-2008, he served as Cuba's Ambassador to Vietnam.
