Vietnam - Cuba Friendship: 65 Years of Solidity, Exemplary and Rare

Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Van Duoc and Cuban Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Ariadne Feo Labrada had a friendly conversation at the ceremony celebrating the 65th anniversary of Vietnam - Cuba diplomatic relations on the morning of December 2 - Photo: THANH HIEP

On the morning of December 2, Ho Chi Minh City held a ceremony to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Cuba.

Attending the event were Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Van Duoc, Consul General of Cuba in Ho Chi Minh City Ariadne Feo Labrada, representatives of diplomatic agencies, consular corps, and many representatives of organizations and departments.

A rare special friendship between two countries in two hemispheres

Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Van Duoc speaks at the ceremony - Photo: THANH HIEP

Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Van Duoc expressed his emotion when looking back at 65 years of Vietnam - Cuba relations, starting from December 2, 1960, when Cuba became the first country in the Western Hemisphere to establish full diplomatic relations with the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

According to him, this was not a random decision of history, but the meeting of two nations "pioneers in the struggle against colonialism and imperialism", always sharing with each other the values of independence, freedom and courage.

"The slogan 'For Vietnam, Cuba is willing to sacrifice even its blood' by Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro has become an immortal symbol, giving strength to Vietnam during the arduous years of struggle," Mr. Duoc said.

Throughout history, despite the great geographical distance, the two countries have always maintained a special friendship - "loyal, pure, rare in modern international relations".

The year 2025 - chosen as the Vietnam - Cuba Friendship Year - witnessed a series of outstanding foreign affairs activities. These included visits by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, President of the Cuban National Assembly Esteban Lazo Hernández, and many high-ranking delegations and Cuban business delegations to Vietnam.

In particular, the campaign "65 years of Vietnam - Cuba friendship" launched by Vietnam has attracted strong responses nationwide. After only 20 days of campaigning, Vietnam has donated nearly 385 billion VND to support the Cuban people and by the end of the campaign, the total amount mobilized reached more than 610 billion VND, far exceeding the initial target.

"It is not only material, but also sentimental and deep sharing of the Vietnamese people with Cuban friends who are facing many difficulties," Mr. Duoc emphasized.

Ho Chi Minh City - a bright spot in cooperation and affection for Cuba

Consul General of Cuba in Ho Chi Minh City Ariadne Feo Labrada speaks at the program - Photo: THANH HIEP

Consul General of Cuba in Ho Chi Minh City Ariadne Feo Labrada expressed her deep gratitude to the Party Committee, government and people of Ho Chi Minh City for the city's persistent support for Cuba over the years.

She said that each cooperation program between Ho Chi Minh City and Cuba, from agreements with Santiago de Cuba province, Artemisa to Cuban ministries and branches, shows the city's sincere feelings and meaningful companionship.

"We always feel that warm affection. That is something Cuba deeply appreciates," she shared, recalling the words of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro - "For Vietnam, Cuba is willing to sacrifice its own blood" - as a red thread connecting the two peoples through many generations.

In 2025, responding to the call of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Red Cross , Ho Chi Minh City mobilized nearly 13 billion VND to support the Cuban people. According to Ms. Ariadne, it is not only a material resource, but also a "great source of spiritual encouragement".

Cuban Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Ariadne Feo Labrada discussed the meaning of the mural with the image of the two beloved leaders of the two countries in front of the Cuban Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City - Photo: THANH HIEP

The Consul General also recalled many cooperation projects as vivid evidence of the faithful friendship between Vietnam and Cuba. From the "Suns Without Borders" program bringing renewable energy to Cuban schools, to the project of bringing Vietnamese rice varieties to cultivate in Cuba - where the green rice fields are called "the result of trust and perseverance" between the two localities.

Not only development cooperation, increasingly rich youth, trade, culinary and cultural exchange activities are also becoming sustainable bridges connecting the people of the two countries.

An emotional highlight of the ceremony was the mural at the Cuban Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, depicting President Ho Chi Minh and President Fidel Castro.

"Every stroke of that painting is our gratitude, our thanks, and also our promise of a friendship that will never fade," Ms. Ariadne said emotionally.

Photos of the 65th anniversary celebration of the establishment of Vietnam - Cuba diplomatic relations in Ho Chi Minh City on the morning of December 2

Art performances praising the two respected leaders of the two peoples of Vietnam and Cuba - Photo: THANH HIEP

Fan dance performance by a Cuban teacher - Photo: THANH HIEP

The band Living Cuba performs jazz songs about the colorful beauty and peace of Cuba - Photo: THANH HIEP

Artists from Cuba perform the vibrant salsa dance typical of Cuba - Photo: THANH HIEP

Meritorious Artist Khanh Ngoc performs a song about love for homeland and country - Photo: THANH HIEP

Leaders and delegates presented flowers to artists from both countries participating in the performance celebrating the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Cuba - Photo: THANH HIEP

A rare special friendship between two countries in two hemispheres

Ho Chi Minh City - a bright spot in cooperation and affection for Cuba

Photos of the 65th anniversary celebration of the establishment of Vietnam - Cuba diplomatic relations in Ho Chi Minh City on the morning of December 2

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