(VOVWORLD) - Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue will begin official visits to Cuba, Argentina, and Uruguay on Tuesday at the invitation of Cuban National Assembly Chairman Esteban Lazo Hernandez, Argentinian Speaker of the Lower House Cecilia Moreau and Uruguayan Parliamentary Speaker Beatriz Argimon Cedeira. The visit, from April 18 to April 28, manifests Vietnam’s wish and commitment to strengthen multifaceted with the three countries and furthers Vietnam’s foreign policy of deepening its traditional friendship with traditional partners in Latin America.
 Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue. (photo: VNA) |
Tightening friendship and solidarity with the Cuban people
Mr. Hue’s visit to Cuba coincides with the two countries’ preparations for celebrating the 50th anniversary of President Fidel Castro's visit to Quang Tri (1973 - 2023) and the 60th anniversary of the Cuban Committee for Solidarity with South Vietnam, which was founded on September 25, 1963.
Fidel Castro’s visit to Quang Tri a few months after the Paris Peace Agreement was signed and his immortal saying "For Vietnam, Cuba is ready to donate its blood" have become a symbol of the fraternal solidarity and loyalty of the two nations.
When Cuba was in difficulty, Vietnam has offered help in several ways that reflected its solidarity with the Cubans.
"Vietnam's rice production cooperation program with Cuba has made great progress. Vietnam’s stable supply of rice for Cuba is of great importance amid global economic difficulties and particularly the difficulties facing the Cuban economy due to the US-led embargo and the COVID-19 pandemic. Vietnam's investment in Cuba has been strengthened. Vietnam is Cuba’s main Asian investor," said Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Orlando Hernández Guillén.
With the two countries making efforts to recover and develop their economies post COVID-19, Ambassador Guillén said Chairman Hue’s is of great historical importance and will contribute to further promoting bilateral cooperation.
During the visit, the two sides will discuss bilateral cooperation and sign a number of important agreements. Vu Hai Ha, Chairman of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs Committee, said the visit by Mr. Hue, who is the first foreign leader to visit Cuba since its latest National Assembly’s election, will contribute to furthering bilateral cooperation.
"We reaffirm our friendship and solidarity with the Cuban people, and support Cuba’s effort to update its economic model. Vietnam is ready to share its experience in the renewal process. The two countries will stand side by side for independence, freedom, peace, and development," said Mr. Ha.
Vietnam strengthens ties with traditional friends
After Cuba, National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue will visit Argentina and Uruguay.
Vietnam and Argentina will celebrate the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations this year. Since the two countries opened embassies in Buenos Aires and Hanoi 25 years ago, trade has been one of three pillars of bilateral cooperation along with political dialogue and technical cooperation. Since Vietnam and Argentina established a Comprehensive Partnership in 2010, bilateral trade has grown steadily. Over the past 10 years, Argentina saw a cumulative export to Vietnam growth of 600%. Exports from Vietnam to Argentina in the same period increased 700%.
This year Vietnam is celebrating the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Uruguay (1993-2023). Total import and export turnover between the two countries last year was more than 190 million USD. The two continue to cooperate within bilateral and multilateral frameworks, diversify import and export products, boost trade promotion activities and exchanges and optimize conditions for their businesses to do market research and seek business opportunities. The two countries intend to continue cooperating in food safety, customs, science, technology, software, timber exploitation and processing.
During his visits to Argentina and Uruguay, Mr. Hue will meet with their leaders and seek ways to strengthen cooperation between Vietnam and its two traditional Latin American friends.