First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee and President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, held a productive, fraternal telephone conversation on Wednesday morning with the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (VCP), Nguyen Phu Trong.

The Vietnamese party leader congratulated his Cuban counterpart on his recent election as First Secretary and recognized the revolutionary trajectory of Army General Raúl Castro Ruz and his contributions to the fraternal ties shared by Cuba and Vietnam.

Díaz-Canel reported on the results of the 8th Party Congress and thanked Vietnam for its support of Cuba’s struggle against the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the U.S. government on our people. The Cuban leader also wished the Communist Party of Vietnam success in implementing resolutions approved at its 13th Congress.

Both leaders reiterated the intention to continue strengthening the special relations of friendship and cooperation between their peoples, parties and governments, guided by the enduring legacy of Comandante en jefe Fidel Castro Ruz and legendary revolutionary Ho Chi Minh.
Photo: lademajagua.cu Photo: Estudios Revolución

Accompanying the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam were comrades Truong Thi Mai, Political Bureau and Secretariat member heading the VCP Central Committee’s Organization Commission and President of the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Association; To Lam, Political Bureau member and Minister of Public Security; Phan Van Giang, Political Bureau member and Minister of Defense; Le Minh Hung, member of the Secretariat of the VCP Central Committee and head of the Central Committee Office; Le Hoai Trung, Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam member and head of its Foreign Relations Commission; Le Khanh Hai, Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam member and head of the President’s Office; Bui Thanh Son, Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam member and foreign minister; Nguyen Huy Tang, deputy head of the Foreign Relations Commission of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam; and Ho Mau Ngoat, assistant to the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

The First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba was accompanied by compañeros Roberto Morales Ojeda, Political Bureau member and Secretary for Organization and Cadre Policy; Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, Political Bureau member and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Army Corps General Álvaro López Miera, Political Bureau member and Minister of Revolutionary Armed Forces; Major General Lázaro Alberto Álvarez Casas, Political Bureau member and Minister of the Interior; Ángel Arzuaga Reyes, Coordinator of Party Central Committee Department of International Relations; and Alberto Blanco Silva, the Foreign Ministry’s director for Asia and Oceania.

(Taken from Granma)

“The Communist Party of Cuba constitutes the leading nucleus of the revolution and the construction of socialism. In recent years it has led the Cuban people to achieve important results in economic development, in improvement of living conditions and effectively confronting COVID-19. In this regard, we are very pleased,” reads the text from the Communist Party of China’s Central Committee.

The message adds, “We are convinced that, under the firm leadership of the Communist Party of Cuba, the Congress will provide orientation as an important guide and inject energy into the development of socialism with Cuban characteristics. We reaffirm our commitment to work with the Cuban party to further promote the traditional friendship shared by China and Cuba, strengthen political confidence, deepen strategic communication and constantly enrich mutually beneficial, productive cooperation, in order to jointly achieve new accomplishments in the construction of socialism in both countries.”

The missive from the highest leadership body of the Communist Party of Vietnam emphasized that the Congress represents the Cuban Revolution’s historical continuity, the eternal spirit of the Sierra Maestra, the Bay of Pigs and Comandante en jefe Fidel Castro.

“The special relationship between Vietnam and Cuba – in which the exchange between the two parties provides the political basis for improving bilateral relations and plays an important guiding role – has been constructed by the leaders of our revolutions, José Martí, Ho Chi Minh, Fidel Castro and several generations of Vietnamese and Cuban leaders. This special relationship continues to be cultivated and developed in all aspects, producing major achievements, demonstrating the firm, faithful revolutionary position of the parties, states and peoples of both countries, contributing to revolutionary causes and socialist works in each nation. The unforegttable words of Comandante en jefe Fidel Castro, “For Vietnam, we are ready to give even our own blood,” will forever serve as the noble symbol of this sacred relationship,” the message stated.

The Vietnamese text continues, “Despite innumerable difficulties and challenges, Cuba continues to relentlessly raise the victorious banner of revolutionary heroism, in the spirit of transparent internationalism, of indomitable struggle; with active participation in the struggles for national independence and social progress of the peoples of Latin America, the Caribbean, and the world.”

Echoing these sentiments, the Korean Workers’ Party expressed the certainty that this 8th Congress will make an important contribution to defending Cuba’s revolutionary conquests, guaranteeing the continuity and invariability of the socialist cause, achieving the country’s development, and promoting the people’s wellbeing.

“Relations between the parties and countries of Korea and Cuba were established in the common struggle against imperialism and for the successful advancement of the socialist cause; they were tested during complex, difficult international situations and today are being developed comprehensively in accordance with the needs of a new era,” the Workers’ Party’s greeting notes, reaffirming the traditional ties of friendship, unity and cooperation shared by the two organizations.

The Lao People’s Revolutionary Party also emphasized the importance of the Congress, which “will demonstrate the ongoing development of society and the strengthening of Cuban communists. We are confident that the resolutions adopted at the Congress will serve as guidelines and solid foundations for the welfare of the Cuban people,” the congratulatory message states.

(Taken from Granma)

Phu Trong, who will assume his third consecutive term, won resounding support given to his capable management of state affairs, including the successful battle waged against the COVID-19 pandemic, according to information released by the national radio station Voice of Vietnam.

The General Secretary expressed his commitment, before the Congress, the entire Party, the people and army, to make his best efforts to overcome all obstacles and successfully fulfill the tasks assigned to him, according to national media.

The election took place during the XIII Congress of the CPV which has been in session since January 25. The Party gathering also elected a new 18-member Political Bureau, the Secretariat and Disciplinary Control Commission.

TeleSUR also reported that the 1,587delegates participating in the Congress, the membership, leaders of state organizations and citizens, including those living abroad, analyzed the documents on which the CPV will base its work in the coming period, leading the political, social and economic process of the country with a socialist and participative orientation.

Thus, following this broad discussion, the XIII Congress Resolution was approved, which honors the 35 years of Doi Moi (Renovation) and confirms the success of Vietnam’s socialist system, as well as the strong unity evident between the Party, the army and the people.

(Taken from Granma)

Prensa Latina reports that the Cuban leaders expressed their concern upon hearing news of damages caused by the heavy rains and floods in Vietnam’s central provinces.

The missives were sent to Nguyen Phu Trong, secretary general of the Communist Party and President of Vietnam, stating: “On behalf of the Party, the government and the people of Cuba, we convey our most sincere condolences, which we extend to the families of victims.”

Earlier this month, several successive storms had hit the country’s central provinces, leaving 130 deaths and considerable material damage. Just as the recovery had begun, a typhoon struck the region on Wednesday, with losses yet to be quantified.

(Taken from Prensa Latina)

September 2, 1945, Ho Chi Minh read Vietnam’s Declaration of Independence in the capital city’s Ba Dinh Square, confirming the defeat of French colonialism.

On the 75th anniversary of this transcendental event, the first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) Central Committee, Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, and President of the Republic Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez sent their Vietnamese counterparts messages of congratulations.

In his note to Nguyen Phu Trong, secretary general of the Communist Party and President of Vietnam, Raúl expressed “cordial congratulations” in the name of the PCC and the Cuban people.

“The occasion is an opportune moment to reiterate our commitment to continue strengthening the unbreakable ties of friendship and cooperation that characterize the relations between our two countries,” he wrote, according to Prensa Latina.

President Díaz-Canel, for his part, conveyed to Phu Trong, and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, the “most sincere congratulations in the name of the Cuban people and government,” and reconfirmed “the firm intention to continue strengthening the relations of friendship and cooperation between our nations.”

The President likewise expressed the pride felt by all Cubans in the “historic ties and solidarity forged by our two peoples in the common struggle for freedom, independence, and development.”

Also in the name of the Cuban people and government, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero extended to his Vietnamese counterpart “the warmest congratulations,” and reiterated the will to continue promoting bilateral cooperation in all spheres, as well as the longstanding friendship shared by the two countries.

The sisterhood of our peoples is based on the Marxist principles of our parties and the legacies of our historic leaders Fidel Castro and Ho Chi Minh.

(Source: Viet Nam)

In his message, Raúl reaffirmed the importance Cuba affords the relations of brotherhood and cooperation shared with Vietnam, while highlighting the celebration of six decades since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries this year.

He noted that this latest event is a symbol of the deep friendship between the two countries, as well as the willingness of both parties to unite in the face of challenges facing the world today.

The Cuban leader also sent his best wishes for Vietnam’s success in the construction of socialism in the future. (Vietnamplus)

In an atmosphere of sincere friendship, the two discussed the special relations shared by their countries and emphasized that these ties constitute the imperishable legacy of Fidel Castro Ruz and Ho Chi Minh. Both parties also reaffirmed interest in continuing to strengthen the historical ties that unite the two parties, governments, and peoples.Comrade Hoang Trung Hai was accompanied by Nguyen Trung Thanh, ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Havana, and Nguyen Quoc Hung, a member of the Provincial Bureau of the Party and vice president of the Hanoi People’s Committee.Also participating on the Cuban side were Political Bureau member and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, and the deputy director of International Relations for the Communist Party Central Committee, Ángel Arzuaga Reyes.

(Granma)

During the amicable meeting, the leaders discussed the deep bonds of brotherhood that unite the two peoples, parties, and governments, as well as their countries’ respective experiences in the construction of socialism. They likewise discussed the excellent state of bilateral relations and the implementation of agreements reached between Vietnam and Cuba, along with a number of topics on the international agenda.

The distinguished guest was accompanied by Nguyen Quoc Cuong, deputy minister of Foreign Affairs, and Nguyen Trung Thanh, ambassador to Cuba.
Also participating on the Cuban side were Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, Political Bureau member and Foreign Minister; and ambassador in Vietnam, Lianys Torres Rivera.
As part of her agenda on the island, the distinguished visitor also met on July 8 with Salvador Valdés Mesa, first vice president of the Councils of State and Ministers, among other activities.

Additionally, along with authorities from Cuba’s Ministry of Agriculture, the Vietnamese Vice President toured areas of the Los Palacios agro-industrial combine, in the province of Pinar de Río, in particular those involved in the cooperation project her country sponsors to support the development of rice production here.

(Granma)

The corporation Viglacera, from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, with extensive experience in the development and management of industrial parks, responded immediately to the invitation. After intensive talks and productive negotiations, February 28, 2018, the company was authorized to become the Zone’s first concessionaire via Decree 340.

ViMariel S.A. was officially inaugurated this past November 28, within the context of the 36th session of the Cuba-Vietnam inter-governmental group for economic and scientific-technical collaboration.

“The objective of this affiliate is to project, invest, construct, administer, and utilize the infrastructure of an industrial park in Zone 10 of the Special Development Zone’s Sector A,” explained Rodrigo Malmierca Díaz, Cuban minister of Foreign Trade and Investment.

It will attract not only Vietnamese companies interested in establishing operations in the area, but also potential investors from other nations, he added.

VIMARIEL S.A. – THE ZONE’S FIRST CONCESSIONAIRE

Creating a concessionaire in Mariel is not only an important step for the Zone as a project, but also for Cuba’s objectives regarding foreign investment in general.

Located on an area of 156 hectares, ViMariel S.A. is a subsidiary of the Vietnamese corporation Viglacera. The firm will undertake a program of investments to extend the work of the Office and Cuban entities charged with developing infrastructure in Mariel, and the attraction of direct foreign investment in production and services.

“The presence of ViMariel will add high standards in construction, technology, and management, essential to Cuba’s economic and social development. This industry will be focused on construction materials, heavy industry, packaging and wrapping, the production of articles for personal and domestic use, the bio-pharmaceutical industry, and logistics activity,” commented Ana Teresa Igarza, general director of the Special Development Zone, in previous statements to Granma International.

ViMariel is just beginning construction of its facilities, and has already signed a contract with EnPromoulds, a company that manufactures plastic molds and a future investor in the industrial park.

The new concession, awarded for a 50-year term, involves a scheduled series of projects funded with Vietnamese capital that will begin in 2019 and continue over the next five years, to build roads and communications networks, as well as water and electrical distribution systems.

Pham Hong Ha, Vietnamese minister of Construction, emphasized during the inauguration that the first portion of the project should be ready by the final months of 2019.

CUBA & VIETNAM

Vietnam is today among the countries with the greatest presence in the Mariel Special Development Zone.

“The creation of this first concessionaire will open a new stage in the development of the Special Zone and is a milestone for the opportunities it offers Vietnamese and other investors. In addition, it is an example of the intention of both governments to work to strengthen bilateral relations in the economic sphere,” Igarza stated.

Minister Malmierca said that the company will provide a successful example of construction projects undertaken with Vietnamese capital and a clear demonstration of the special nature of bilateral relations shared by the two countries.

He thanked the government and important Vietnamese companies for their interest in investing in Cuba, not only in Mariel, but in other parts of the country, as well. He added that these firms will have a significant impact on the country’s economic development and allow Cuban professionals to acquire experience from the Vietnamese in a priority sector like construction.

The establishment of ViMariel S.A. further strengthens relations between the two countries, united for years by ties of cooperation, solidarity, and brotherhood. The friendship between the two peoples, parties, and governments was initiated by

Comandante en Jefe Fidel Castro and Comrade Ho Chi Minh, and is today reflected in economic, commercial, and scientific cooperation that the two countries intend to expand.

(Granma)

During the meeting the two leaders discussed the excellent state of relations shared by their people, parties, governments, and armed forces.

Also participating on the Cuban side were José Ramón Machado Ventura, second Party secretary; Political Bureau member Army Corps General Álvaro López Miera, first deputy minister of the FAR and Chief of its General Staff; as well as other officials from the armed forces.

The delegation completed a full agenda of activities that included visits to military facilities and cultural institutions, among other sites.

(Granma)