Vietnam - Cuba: Beautiful symbol of steadfast friendship

Implementing the direction of the Hanoi People's Committee, the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations coordinated with the Hanoi Red Cross, the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, and the Cuban Embassy in Vietnam to organize an art program to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Cuba (December 2, 1960 - December 2, 2025). This is an event of special significance on the occasion of the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Year.

The program had the participation of delegates: Vu Hai Ha, member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the National Assembly, member of the Standing Committee of the 15th National Assembly, President of the Vietnam - Cuba Friendship Association; Prof. Dr. Le Van Loi, President of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences; Nguyen Thi Hoang Van, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the Central Party agencies; Le Anh Tuan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Nguyen Hai Anh, Vice President - General Secretary of the Vietnam Red Cross Society ; Dong Huy Cuong, Vice President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations; Nguyen Ngoc Ky, President of the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations; Le Tu Luc, President of the Hanoi Red Cross Society.

On the international side, there were Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Rogelio Polanco Fuentes and his wife; Ambassadors and Charge d'Affaires of Latin American countries: Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Nicaragua, Uruguay.

Chairman of the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations Nguyen Ngoc Ky spoke at the program. Photo: Quynh Duong

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chairman of the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations Nguyen Ngoc Ky emphasized that the art program to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Cuba has the meaning of connecting cultures, expressing loyalty, steadfastness, affection, strengthening friendship and promoting cooperation between the two countries. The program is a wonderful blend of two cultures, expressed through traditional Vietnamese music combined with attractive Cuban music.

Within the framework of the art program, there is also a space to display photos of outstanding milestones of the traditional friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the Governments and peoples of Vietnam and Cuba; and images of the work of the Vietnam Red Cross Society and Hanoi city.

The cooperation between Hanoi and Cuba (especially the capital city of Havana) is deeply political and symbolic, built on traditional comradeship. Strategic trust is reinforced through regular high-level exchanges between the two capitals' Party Committees.

Together with the Central Government, Hanoi has always demonstrated its comradely spirit by sharing and providing practical support to Cuba in general and the capital city of Lahabana in particular. The city has donated 4,000 tons of rice and computer supplies and actively responded to the call for donations on the occasion of the anniversary of bilateral relations.

According to Chairman of the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations Nguyen Ngoc Ky, Cuba always holds a special place in the hearts of every citizen of Hanoi. At the program, the people of Hanoi together turned to the Cuban people with the spirit of brotherly solidarity and the strongest support, thereby adding strength and sincere encouragement to the Cuban people in the current period.

Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Rogelio Polanco Fuentes speaks. Photo: Quynh Duong

Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Rogelio Polanco Fuentes said that December 2, 1960 marked an important milestone in the relationship between the two brotherly countries and the Latin American and Caribbean region, when Cuba became the first country in the region to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam.

From here, the everlasting bond between the people of the two countries was born. The miraculous similarity in thought and action of President Ho Chi Minh and Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro nurtured this brotherhood from the very beginning.

Cuba fully supports the just cause of the Vietnamese people, and the entire Cuban people have mobilized together for many years to support Vietnam's fight.

Likewise, the steadfast attachment of the Vietnamese people and leaders is also deeply appreciated. During the difficult times that Cuba has faced so far, as a result of the US economic embargo, Vietnam's steadfast stance at international forums has never been absent, as well as the regular shipments of valuable rice, along with many other meaningful acts of solidarity.

These days, Cuba has witnessed a particularly extensive support program carried out by Vietnam. This has deeply moved us. The widespread spread of this initiative, launched by the Vietnam Red Cross and mass and social organizations, has been successful thanks to the "heritage" of brotherhood between Cuba and Vietnam that has been passed down from generation to generation and still lives forever in the hearts of the people of the two countries.

On this occasion, the Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam expressed his deep gratitude to the City leaders, mass and social organizations of Hanoi - City for Peace, for their contributions to the support program, reflecting noble human values.

The Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam concluded his speech by reiterating the affirmation of the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, President of the Republic of Cuba Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez:

“Vietnam and Cuba have built a special relationship that has overcome all the challenges of time and has become a model of friendship and cooperation, especially in times when peace is facing enormous challenges.”

This special bond goes beyond all conventional formalities, because it was born and affirmed from extremely profound traditions and identities, forged in the days when the Cuban Committee continuously condemned the crimes of imperialism in Vietnam. And that brotherhood became even closer when the historical leader of the Cuban Revolution affirmed before the Cuban masses that for Vietnam, we are willing to sacrifice our blood.

Today, we can reaffirm to you that those feelings remain intact and for Vietnam today, we are also willing to sacrifice our blood."

The cultural program includes songs praising the homeland, the country, praising Hanoi - "City for Peace", the Vietnam - Cuba friendship - a beautiful symbol of friendship and steadfast brotherhood between the two peoples.

Images of some performances in the art program: