HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam has always treasured, and is determined to consolidate its relations and friendship with Cuba, the foundation of which were laid by the late President Hồ Chí Minh and Cuban President Fidel Castro.

Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc said made the statement on Thursday while hosting a reception for the Cuban delegation, led by First Vice President of Cuba Salvador Valdes Mesa. The delegation was in Việt Nam to mark 45 years since leader Fidel Castro visited the liberated area in the south of Việt Nam in 1973.

PM Phúc said Fidel’s visit was an important milestone in their bilateral relations, which needed to be preserved by future generations.

The Vietnamese Party, State and people have always kept a close watch on Cuba’s development, he said, believing that they will reap further achievements in the socio-economic development.

Praising the efforts of both nations, PM Phúc said the two countries need to maintain sound political relations, bolster economic collaboration, and develop traditional ties in a deeper and more practical manner.

He suggested enhancing delegation exchanges at all levels, saying the Việt Nam-Cuba Inter-governmental Meeting should take place by the end of this year to review cooperation content and look for new collaborative orientations that focus on all-round cooperation and support for each other at the international forums.

On behalf of the Cuban Party, State and people, Salvador Valdes Mesa congratulated Việt Nam on the nation’s socio-economic achievements in recent years, saying Cuba has always attached great importance to the traditional relations between the two countries.

Cuba has given priority to developing its friendship with Việt Nam, he said, adding the official visit to Cuba by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Việt Nam Central Committee Nguyễn Phú Trọng is a historical, opening up new chapters in bilateral relations and setting up new co-operation sectors between the two sides.

Currently, Cuba is carrying out agreements inked during General Secretary Trọng’s visit to boost collaboration in economy, trade, investment and finance, he said.

They can work together in pharmaceuticals which Cuba holds an enormous strength in, he underlined, stating that Cuba has been interested in aviation cooperation with Việt Nam to increase the number of flights connecting Cuba and other American countries.

Also, Cuba wants to set up a joint venture with a Vietnamese enterprise to foster tourism activities. Thus, it needs the support and collaboration of Vietnamese banks, he said. — VNS