Addressing the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem affirmed that the conferment was in recognition of the ambassador’s contribution to consolidating and strengthening the solidarity, friendship and cooperation between the two parties, two states and two peoples. Since August 2004, the outgoing diplomat has acted as a “bridge” for the leaders and peoples of the two countries, and made great contributions to strengthening multi-faceted cooperation between Vietnam and Cuba.

The Deputy PM expressed belief that the Cuban diplomat will continue to actively contribute to further develop the solidarity, friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

For his part, Mr Sotolongo expressed his thanks to the Vietnamese State for the honour, affirming that he will continue to do his best to foster traditional ties between the two countries.