Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Phạm Bình Minh (left) and Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parilla signed a Political Consultation Plan for 2020-2022 between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs. VNA/VNS Photo Lê Hà

HAVANA Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Phạm Bình Minh has reaffirmed Việt Nam’s support to Cuba and its willingness to share experience with the nation in development during talks held with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parilla.

Minh paid an official visit to Cuba from May 19-21 at the invitation of Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parilla.
During their talks on Monday, the two ministers informed each other of their respective country’s situations, and discussed measures to foster bilateral solidarity and co-operation, as well as regional and international issues of mutual concern.
The two ministers agreed that bilateral relations are developing well, with the exchange of delegations maintained, bilateral co-operation mechanisms implemented effectively and two-way trade hitting US$335.8 million in 2018.
They reached consensus on several measures to intensify ties, including increasing the exchange of delegations, regularly maintaining existing co-operation mechanisms, defence dialogues and completing a legal framework for bilateral collaboration.
The two ministers discussed measures to facilitate bilateral investment and agreed to help Vietnamese and Cuban firms access each side’s market.
On multilateral co-operation, both sides spoke highly of mutual support at international organisations and forums to protect their interests and improve the stature of each country.
On regional and global issues, both sides vowed to support the settlement of sovereignty disputes through peaceful measures in line with international law.
Following the talks, the two ministers signed a Political Consultation Plan for 2020-2022 between the two ministries.
As part of the visit, Minh met with First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee Raul Castro Ruz; President of the Council of State and Council of Ministers Miguel Diaz Canel Bermudez; and President of the National Assembly of People’s Power Esteban Lazo Hernandez.
The Cuban leaders affirmed Cuba attaches importance to ties with Việt Nam and suggested the two governments push forward the development of bilateral relations.
On the occasion, Minh laid wreaths at President Hồ Chí Minh monument and a memorial dedicated to Cuban national hero Jose Marti in Havana. VNS