Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed that Vietnam will always stand side by side with Cuba, sharing and providing support within its capacity, thereby strengthening the two countries’ traditional friendship.

On the afternoon of February 2, at the Government Headquarters in Hanoi, the Prime Minister received Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, Politburo member and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cuba, who is serving as Special Envoy of the Communist Party and the State of the Republic of Cuba during his working visit to Vietnam.

During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction at the positive development of bilateral relations across multiple fields. The Prime Minister and the Cuban envoy agreed that economic and trade cooperation should see stronger breakthroughs, commensurate with the high level of political trust as well as the potential and strengths of each country.

In a spirit of frankness, substance and effectiveness, the two sides discussed and agreed on specific measures to promote cooperation in key areas in the new context. The Prime Minister reaffirmed that Vietnam will continue sharing its experience from 40 years of Doi Moi (Renewal) and international economic integration with Cuba. He also proposed that both sides effectively implement projects on developing domestic food production in the new phase. Vietnam will create favorable conditions for its enterprises to share experience, transfer advanced farming processes, supply materials and support agricultural machinery, helping Cuba gradually achieve food self-sufficiency.

Both sides identified solar energy development as aligned with Cuba’s urgent needs. The Prime Minister stated that Vietnam will continue sharing its experience in renewable energy development to serve production and people’s daily life in Cuba.

Highlighting Cuba’s world-leading strengths in the medical sector, the Prime Minister suggested that the Cuban Government step up cooperation in technology transfer and joint ventures to produce vaccines, medical biological products and next-generation specialty medicines for the two markets and for export.

To realize these orientations, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh  proposed that the two sides maximize the role of the Vietnam - Cuba Intergovernmental Committee and other ministerial-level cooperation mechanisms, regularly review and urge the implementation of high-level agreements, and promptly address arising issues in order to bring about practical economic benefits for both countries in the spirit of “accompanying each other and developing together.”

The Cuban envoy expressed sincere thanks for the Prime Minister’s detailed and insightful guidance on bilateral relations, affirming that he will fully report to senior leaders of the Party and Government of Cuba and closely coordinate with relevant Vietnamese ministries and agencies to implement the agreed contents.

Sharing the difficulties faced by the Cuban people due to blockades, embargoes and natural disasters, the Prime Minister reiterated that Vietnam is committed to always standing with Cuba, offering support within its capacity. He expressed confidence that the heroic Cuban nation will overcome all challenges and continue to achieve new successes in national construction and defense.

On this occasion, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh conveyed his regards to Raul Castro, leader of the Cuban Revolution; Miguel Diaz-Canel, First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of Cuba; Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz; and other senior Cuban leaders.