Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc meets Cuban Ambassador to Việt Nam Lianys Torres Rivera in Hà Nội. — VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam was willing to bolster co-operation with Cuba to enhance economic growth in both countries, and to share experiences with Cuba in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc said on Friday.

He made the pledge while hosting a reception for Cuban Ambassador to Việt Nam Lianys Torres Rivera in Hà Nội.

At the reception, he voiced his gratitude to Cuban leaders for their prompt support for Việt Nam in the struggle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Party, Government and people of Việt Nam recently donated 5,000 tonnes of rice to the Cuban people. 

The Ministry of Defence has been tasked with coordinating with Cuba in COVID-19 prevention and control. Since the beginning of April, the two countries have held regular online conferences at all levels to offer their experiences in battling the disease. 

The PM said the Vietnamese people treasured the solidarity and friendship with their Cuban counterparts, and appreciated Cuba’s support for the country’s liberation and revolutionary cause.

He said Việt Nam would spare no efforts in nurturing traditional and comprehensive Việt Nam-Cuba relations, thereby strengthening bilateral ties in a practical and effective manner.

In reply, the Cuban ambassador thanked Việt Nam for its assistance in the context of the trade embargo on Cuba and the global pandemic. 

She congratulated Việt Nam on its achievements in COVID-19 prevention and control, adding that Cuba was ready to work with Việt Nam to find a cure for COVID-19.

The diplomat expressed her hope that bilateral ties would be promoted in various spheres after visits of high-ranking leaders to Cuba, adding that technology transfer had contributed to Cuba’s agricultural development.

A ceremony was held in Hà Nội on Friday to hand over 5,000 tonnes of rice from the Vietnamese Government, State and people to the Cuban Government, State and people to help the Latin American cope with food shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Minister of Construction Phạm Hồng Hà, who doubles as Chairman of the Việt Nam-Cuba Inter Governmental Committee, said the COVID-19 pandemic was developing across the world, while calling for solidarity and coordination to fight the pandemic and protect citizens’ health and ensuring socio-economic development.

Leaders of the Party and Government of Việt Nam valued and thanked Cuba for its support in combating the pandemic, he said.

The Party and Government of Việt Nam decided to present Cuba with the rice to share the difficulties that Cuba was facing and Việt Nam was also willing to provide Cuba with medical equipment for COVID-19 prevention and control. —  VNS