65 years of Vietnam - Cuba relations: A rare relationship in the history of international relations

The exemplary, loyal and rare relationship in the history of international relations is the greatest achievement and also the most valuable asset that the Vietnamese and Cuban peoples have worked hard to cultivate over the past 65 years. That was the affirmation of Vietnamese Ambassador to Cuba Le Quang Long when answering an interview with VNA reporters on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations (December 2, 1960 - December 2, 2025).

Vietnamese Ambassador to Cuba Le Quang Long gives an interview to VNA.

Ambassador Le Quang Long said that the Vietnam - Cuba relationship is first and foremost distinguished by its steadfast loyalty and unconditional sharing. The solidarity between the two nations is not only a glorious historical memory, but also a source of life nurtured and passed down through generations. Movements such as “65 years of Vietnam - Cuba friendship” with the enthusiastic participation of millions of Vietnamese people are vivid proof of that sentiment, not a slogan but an expression of morality, deep affection and absolute loyalty to the values ​​that the two nations have protected together.

The relationship is also strategic and has been constantly changing strongly through each period. From the years of standing side by side in the struggle for national liberation to the construction of socialism, the two countries have together overcome countless harsh challenges. Today, Vietnam and Cuba are together transforming the cooperation model from being mainly based on solidarity and ideological support to practical cooperation, mutual development, and mutual benefit - a step forward reflecting the new height of bilateral relations in the era of integration and innovation.

In addition, the Vietnam - Cuba relationship has become increasingly comprehensive and effective. The relationship between the two Parties continues to be a solid political foundation, while diplomatic, defense - security cooperation plays a pivotal role, and economic, trade and investment cooperation becomes the main driving force to promote the development of the relationship. People-to-people exchanges are also increasingly vibrant, contributing to enriching the close relationship between the two peoples. The two countries' agreement to designate 2025 as the "Vietnam - Cuba Friendship Year" demonstrates strong political determination at the highest level to further deepen the traditional, special and loyal relationship between the two brotherly countries.

The State visit of General Secretary To Lam to Cuba in September 2024 is truly a historic milestone, opening a new stage of development in the special friendship between the two countries. The visit not only strengthens political trust and close ties between the two Parties and States, but also lays the foundation for a new model of cooperation: shifting from “aid and supply” to “mutually beneficial cooperation” based on the strengths and needs of each side.

In this new period, economic , trade and investment cooperation should become the central driving force. Three key areas that can play a leading role include agriculture - food security, health - biotechnology and renewable energy. In particular, agriculture is the top priority. Rice cultivation cooperation projects of Vietnamese enterprises in Cuba have achieved very positive results with high productivity and clear practical efficiency, directly contributing to the goal of ensuring food security in Cuba. The fields of health and biotechnology also have great potential as both sides have their own strengths. The establishment of the "Vietnam - Cuba Biotechnology Network" is a concrete step to help connect research institutes, universities and businesses, promoting cooperation in research, production and transfer of pharmaceutical technology. In addition, renewable energy - especially solar power projects that Vietnamese enterprises are implementing in the Mariel Special Development Zone and many other localities - are also actively contributing to Cuba's sustainable development strategy.

The two sides need to continue to expand trade and investment cooperation in a more substantial and balanced direction. The goal of increasing bilateral trade turnover to 500 million USD in the next 5 years is completely feasible if the two countries strengthen trade promotion, diversify products and further promote the potential of the Mariel Special Development Zone. Vietnam is currently the leading foreign investor in Asia here with 7 projects at present. In the coming time, Vietnamese enterprises can continue to expand in areas such as industrial infrastructure, construction materials, consumer goods and clean energy - areas that are both suitable for Cuba's development needs and bring practical economic benefits to Vietnamese investors.

At the same time, perfecting the legal framework and strengthening the cooperation support mechanism is extremely important. The Vietnam - Cuba Government Cooperation Committee mechanism has strategic significance, helping the two sides regularly exchange, remove obstacles and create a more favorable legal corridor for investment, trade and technology transfer cooperation. In addition, the establishment of an inter-parliamentary cooperation mechanism by the two National Assemblies is also a new step to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation of cooperation documents, ensuring that high-level agreements will be implemented substantially, avoiding the situation of "signing many, doing little".

Ambassador Le Quang Long emphasized that Vietnam is always ready to share with Cuba valuable experiences from the Doi Moi process, and wishes to learn from Cuba's achievements in areas such as biotechnology, health care and education. He believes that with a solid political foundation, increasingly strong momentum for economic - trade - investment cooperation, and support from new cooperation mechanisms, the Vietnam - Cuba relationship will continue to enter a more effective, practical and sustainable development phase, worthy of the stature of the special, loyal and pure friendship between the two brotherly peoples.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/thoi-su/65-nam-quan-he-viet-nam-cuba-moi-quan-he-hiem-co-trong-lich-su-quan-he-quoc-te-20251130143221729.htm