(VOVWORLD) - President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and a high-ranking delegation have concluded an official visit to Cuba followed by attendance at the UN General Assembly’s 76th session. The trip has opened a new era for Vietnam-Cuba ties based on mutual trust, solidarity, and brotherhood. Vietnam’s participation in the UN General Assembly’s discussions demonstrated dynamism and responsibility.
 President Nguyen Xuan Phuc at a ceremony to hand over COVID-19 made by Cuba to Vietnam. (Photo: VOV) |
President Phuc’s trip achieved its aims and raised Vietnam’s international status.
Fostering the special Vietnam-Cuba relationship
President Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s visit to Cuba took place with the two countries entering a new development period following their recent successful Party Congresses.
"This is the first visit by a state leader to Cuba since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out in March 2020. The visit is of historic significance and evidences the close bond between the two countries in difficult periods. It also reflects the two countries’ new generation leaders’ commitment to continuing the traditional friendship," said Doctor Ruvislei González Saez, Vice Chairman of the Cuba-Vietnam Friendship Association.
During the visit, the two countries issued a Joint Statement on bilateral ties and signed a Plan of Action to implement the 2021-2025 Economic Agenda and several cooperative agreements on agriculture, health care, justice, information and communications, energy, and tourism.
Cuba gave Vietnam 1 million doses of the Abdala vaccine and promised to deliver 10 million additional doses and transfer vaccine production technology to Vietnam. Vietnam has given Cuba 23,000 tons of rice since the pandemic began and delivered 6,000 tons of rice, medical supplies, corn seeds, and computers during Mr. Phuc’s visit.
"The Vietnamese State and people are always ready to do whatever they can to foster the Vietnam-Cuba ties. Despite numerous difficulties, we will do our best to support our Cuban brothers. This is the main message of my trip. The Vietnamese Party and people will always stand side by side with the Cuban Party and people," said President Phuc.
 President Nguyen Xuan Phuc addresses the general debate of the UN General Assembly's 76th session. |
Vietnam joins efforts to cope with global challenges
After his visit to Cuba, President Phuc attended the general debate of the UN General Assembly’s 76th session.
Vietnam was among the countries invited to deliver remarks at one of the 4 key events. President Phuc proposed solutions to current global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, political instability, armed conflicts, and food insecurity.
"President Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s speech at the UN focused on the shared concerns of the international community and Vietnam’s experience, solutions, and commitment. The speech was applauded by many international friends. The UN Secretary General said that the UN always backs Vietnam’s commitment to sustainable development and green orientation," said Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son.
During his trip, President Phuc promoted bilateral relations with other countries and pushed Vietnam’s vaccine diplomacy.
"The President held more than 30 meetings with Presidents and Prime Ministers of other countries during which he highlighted Vietnam’s determination to deepen political ties and promote practical cooperation. The meetings increased mutual political trust, which creates a firm foundation for securing additional resources for national development," said Minister Son.
Several countries promised to provide resources for Vietnam’s economic development and for its fight against COVID-19. 50 businesses expressed an interest in investing in Vietnam.
At a meeting in New York with representatives of the 2.2 million Vietnamese living in the US, President Phuc reiterated the Party and State’s concern for overseas Vietnamese during the pandemic.
President Phuc’s visit to Cuba and attendance the UN General Assembly’s 76th session were successful and effective. The success is attributable to the close coordination between the Party, State, and people and realization of the external relations guideline of the 13th National Party Congress, which said Vietnam is a friend and a reliable partner of the international community.