State President hosts high-ranking Cuban military officer

Thuong hailed Sotolongo’s visit as a vivid expression of the close bond and loyal affection between the two countries and the two armies of Vietnam and Cuba.

He noted that the visit took place at a time when the two countries have just celebrated 60 years of the Cuban Committee for Solidarity with South Vietnam (September 1963) - the precursor of the present-day Cuba - Vietnam Friendship Association, and 50 years of leader Fidel Castro’s trip to the Southern Liberation Zone of Vietnam in Quang Tri (September 1973).

He noted with satisfaction the growing ties between the two countries over the years, saying despite global complications, including the recent COVID-19 impact, both Vietnam and Cuba have maintained regular exchange of delegations at all levels. In particular, he said the two countries’ Ministries of Defense have treasured a close relationship and supported each other in various many fields, yielding practical results.

The president proposed that the two sides increase the exchange of delegations to sketch out effective cooperation plans. He affirmed that the Party and State of Vietnam always create the best possible conditions for the Ministry of National Defense of Vietnam to cooperate with the Ministry of the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces in the fields of their common interest.

Vietnam always supports the just struggle of the Cuban people towards lifting western blockage and embargo, said Thuong.  

Senior Lieutenant General Sotolongo for his part briefed his host on the results of his earlier talks with Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army, saying both sides examined areas of cooperation to further deepen the long-standing friendship and special solidarity between Vietnam and Cuba.

He thanked Vietnam for providing support to Cuba, and affirmed Cuba always wants to further strengthen relations and cooperation with Vietnam.