Vietnam and Cuba strengthen defense cooperation

Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army and Deputy Minister of National Defense, and Senior Lieutenant General Roberto Legra Sotolongo, Chief of the General Staff and Deputy Minister of the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces held talks shortly after the welcoming ceremony on the morning.

Cuong welcomed Sotolongo’s visit which he said would contribute to ramping up Vietnam – Cuba defense cooperation in line with the common perception of the two countries’ senior leaders.

Sotolongo for his part thanked Vietnam for its support to Cuba, emphasized the strong relationship between the two countries and armies, and vowed to work hard to cement the Cuba-Vietnam relationship.

The two officials affirmed that defense cooperation is one of the important pillars in the two countries’ relations, contributing to preserving revolutionary achievements, in accordance with the needs and strengths of each country.

They shared the view that both sides have actively coordinated in deploying areas of cooperation, including delegation exchanges, training, defense industry, Party work, and military medicine, following a Vietnam visit in June 2023 by the Minister of the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces.

Both sides agreed to continue to maintain the exchange of delegations, share professional experiences, and increase cooperation in Party building based on the signed memorandum of understanding. They also agreed to effectively deploy defense industry cooperation in accordance with the needs, capabilities and conditions of each side, while actively deploying cooperation in other areas such as military medicine, training, and military and defense-related legislation.

The two officials also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern.