Vietnamese PM Meets with Cuban Leader at BRICS Summit

• Vietnamese PM Pham Minh Chinh meets President Miguel Díaz Canel in Rio de Janeiro.
• The Vietnamese leader extended an invitation for Díaz Canel to visit Vietnam for National Day celebrations.
• Cooperation discussions focused on food security, renewable energy, and biotechnology.
• Cuba’s President appreciates Vietnam’s support and emphasizes strong bilateral ties.
• The two leaders aim to celebrate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025.

Vietnam-Cuba Ties Strengthened at BRICS Summit

During the expanded BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 6, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh engaged in a meeting with Miguel Díaz Canel, who serves as the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba’s Central Committee and the President of Cuba. This meet, held on the sidelines of the summit, aimed at solidifying the friendship between the two nations. Chinh conveyed warm greetings from various high-ranking Vietnamese leaders to Díaz Canel, expressing the strong bonds of cooperation they share.

Vietnam Supports Cuba Amid US Embargo

In his discussions, Chinh emphasized the importance of implementing high-level agreements that were forged during Party General Secretary To Lam’s state visit to Cuba in September 2024. The highlighted areas of collaboration include sectors such as food security, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. Adding to this, he reiterated Vietnam’s unwavering support for Cuba, calling on the United States to lift its long-standing embargo and remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, advocating for a stronger international stance on this matter.

Future Cooperation and Collaborative Efforts Planned

Díaz Canel welcomed the Vietnamese enterprises operating in Cuba and expressed a commitment to enhancing conditions for these businesses to thrive. The two leaders reached a consensus on fostering high-level exchanges and maintaining informal bilateral consultation mechanisms that include political discussions and defense policy dialogues. Their dialogue also touched upon regional and global issues of mutual concern, highlighting the importance of collaboration within multilateral platforms like the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement.

Celebrations and Educational Initiatives Ahead

Beyond their bilateral ties, the meeting also set the stage for celebrations planned for 2025. Specifically, both leaders are keen on organizing activities to commemorate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations and proclaim Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Year. This celebration aims to educate younger generations about the deep-rooted solidarity and partnership that Vietnam and Cuba share, ensuring future sustenance of their friendship. Both nations are poised to progress together in facing challenges and leveraging opportunities.

In conclusion, the meeting between PM Pham Minh Chinh and President Miguel Díaz Canel signals a reinforced commitment to their long-standing ties. With a focus on cooperation in key sectors and a collective push for international support against external pressures such as the US embargo, both leaders are optimistic about the future of Vietnam-Cuba relations. Their plans for celebrations in 2025 further affirm that the rich heritage and solidarity of their partnership will be passed down to future generations.