During the visit, Mr. Bermudez had talks with Party leader and State President Nguyen Phu Trong, met with Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, leaders and representatives of the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Association, and attended the Vietnam-Cuba Business Forum. During meetings and talks, the two sides exchanged ideas and suggested solutions to lift the bilateral traditional ties to new heights, as well as discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern.

President of the Council of State and Council of Ministers of Cuba Miguel Diaz Canel Bermudez (Center) and Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan at the meeting on November 10, 2018, in Ho Chi Minh City.

Earlier on Saturday, Mr. Bermudez met with Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan. Ho Chi Minh City is always ready to pilot bilateral cooperative projects between Vietnam and Cuba, said Mr. Nhan. He added that the city wants to boost its sustainable cooperation with Cuba and to establish a joint taskforce to boost its trade and investment ties with Cuba. He called for more favorable conditions for Vietnamese businesses to invest in Cuba. For his part, President Miguel Diaz Canel Bermudez reiterated that Cuba is ready to cooperate with Vietnam in areas that Cuba has advantages such as pharmacy and healthcare. He also asked for Vietnam’s continued support for Cuba in agricultural development.

During his visit to HCMC, President Miguel Diaz Canel Bermudez also visited the historical site of Cu Chi Tunnel and Ho Chi Minh City’s high tech zone where he suggested the city send a delegation to Cuba soon for experience exchanges.