Vietnam and Cuba to Enhance Multi-Faceted Parliamentary Cooperation

Starting on April 19th, National Assembly (NA) Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue is leading a high-ranking NA delegation on a four-day visit to the Republic of Cuba at the invitation of the President of the National Assembly of People’s Power of Cuba, Esteban Lazo Hernandez.

The visit takes place as part of the celebratory occasion marking the 60th anniversary of Cuba’s establishment of the Committee for Solidarity with South Vietnam, the 50th anniversary of Fidel Castro Ruz’s first visit to Vietnam, and of the Liberation of South Vietnam in September 1973. This momentous event will be remembered for its important influence on the course of history.

Vuong Dinh Hue, Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam, paid an official visit to Cuba from April 13-15. During his visit, he held talks with the President of the National Assembly of Cuba, Esteban Lazo Hernandez. The two sides discussed measures to further strengthen the friendship, cooperation, and solidarity between the two countries.

Chairman Hue highlighted the importance of the visit, saying it will create a new push for the comprehensive and long-term cooperation between Vietnam and Cuba. He expressed his belief that the visit will help further strengthen ties between the two countries in the areas of politics, economy, and culture.

The two sides also agreed to enhance coordination at multilateral forums, such as the United Nations, Non-Aligned Movement, and Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum. The two sides discussed a number of important issues, such as the development of trade, investment, science and technology, culture, and tourism.

During his visit, Chairman Hue met with the President of the Republic of Cuba, Miguel Mario Diaz-Canel Bermudez, and Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz. The two sides exchanged views on a range of issues, including regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Chairman Hue’s visit to Cuba marks the first high-ranking foreign leader’s visit to the country since it successfully held its General Election to elect a new National Assembly and important State titles according to the Constitution. The visit is expected to further strengthen the friendship, cooperation, and solidarity between Vietnam and Cuba in various fields.

From April 19 to April 23, National Assembly (NA) Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue leads a high-ranking NA delegation to pay an official visit to the Republic of Cuba at the invitation President of the NA of People’s Power of Cuba Esteban Lazo Hernandez (Photo: quochoi.vn)

The visit will work to bolster political trust and strengthen mutual relationships in multiple areas, creating a more tangible and effective bilateral alliance. Additionally, it will provide an opportunity for both sides to build upon their mutual understanding and cooperation.

It is anticipated that during this visit, a cooperation agreement will be signed to bolster the exchange of experience in parliamentary activities and legislative work, as well as mutual assistance at both regional and international inter-parliamentary forums. Furthermore, both sides will work together to implement the agreements signed between the two countries in order to make bilateral ties more tangible and efficacious.

Vietnam and Cuba have been actively deepening their cooperation in economy, trade, and investment, with a special emphasis on key sectors like agriculture, biotechnology, healthcare, consumer goods, tourism infrastructure, hotel management, and construction materials. Both countries have been working together to strengthen their ties and develop mutually beneficial partnerships in these areas. The two nations have also been collaborating to foster economic growth and create sustainable development opportunities for their respective populations. As a result, Vietnam and Cuba have seen an increase in bilateral trade, foreign direct investment, and other forms of economic integration.

According to the minutes signed at the meetings of the Intergovernmental Committee, Vietnam has committed to providing Cuba with a stable supply of rice, as well as helping to improve its production capacity and ensure food security through co-operation projects that develop rice, maize, and seafood production. In line with this memorandum of understanding, the Party, State, and People of Vietnam donated 5,000 tonnes of rice to the Cuban people at the start of April.

The strong political relationship between Cuba and Vietnam has generated considerable momentum for effective economic and trade cooperation. Viet Nam is now Cuba’s second-biggest trading partner in the Asia-Pacific and Oceania regions, with two-way trade turnover reaching US$262 million in 2021 – an increase of 46.6% compared to 2020. According to VOV, Cuba has provided extensive support and assistance to Vietnam in the form of sugar cane technology, processing of sugar cane by-products, consulting and supervising of construction works, sports complexes, and the building of the Ho Chi Minh trail. Moreover, Cuba has also offered technical support for the construction of single-operator housing in the floodplains of the Mekong Delta.