Vietnamese leader To Lam warmly welcomed on Cuba visit

In the main hall of the Palace of the Revolution in Havana, military bands played the national anthems of both countries, and the two leaders reviewed the guard of honour and rendered the flag salute.

After the welcoming ceremony, the leaders of Vietnam and Cuba held talks to evaluate the results of cooperation between the two countries over the past period, and outline future directions for enhancing and improving the effectiveness of cooperation in various fields.

Earlier, General Secretary and President To Lam laid a wreath at the memorial in honour of Cuban national hero Jose Marti. He also met with Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz and National Assembly President Esteban Lazo Hernandez.

Vietnam and Cuba established diplomatic relations on December 2, 1960. Cuba provided significant support to Vietnam during its resistance period in the 1960s and 1970s.

The two countries have cooperated in areas such as rice supply, food production, health care, and pharmaceuticals. Vietnam is Cuba’s second-largest Asian trade partner and the largest Asian investor in the Caribbean state.

This is To Lam’s first visit to Cuba in his new role as Party General Secretary and President of Vietnam. The two countries will celebrate 65 years of diplomatic relations next year.