Cuban’s top legislator visits Quang Tri

As part of the commemorative program marking the 50th anniversary of Cuban leader Fidel Castro’s visit to the liberated region of South Vietnam (September 1973 - September 2023), on September 26, member of the Politburo and President of the National Assembly of the People’s Power of Cuba Esteban Lazo Hernandez paid a visit to Quang Tri Province.

Member of the Politburo and President of the National Assembly of the People’s Power of Cuba Esteban Lazo Hernandez and Secretary of Quang Tri Party Committee Le Quang Tung. Photo: MĐ

In September of 1973, Fidel Castro, the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and the Prime Minister of the Cuban Revolutionary Government, made history by becoming the first and only head of state worldwide to visit the newly liberated Quang Tri Province in Vietnam, shortly after the signing of the Paris Agreement in January 1973, which marked the end of the war and the restoration of peace in Vietnam.

The iconic image of Fidel Castro waving the flag of the National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam from Peak 241, amidst the remnants of tanks and artillery shells, symbolized the deep and unwavering solidarity between the two nations, united by their shared noble ideals of opposing imperialism, striving for peace, upholding national independence, democracy, and global progress.

The Cuban delegation along with leaders of the Vietnamese Government and Quang Tri Province at the Hien Luong - Ben Hai twin bank historical relic cluster. Photo: MD

During his visit, Chairman of the National Assembly of the People’s Power of Cuba Esteban Lazo Hernandez reflected on his four trips to Vietnam from 1996 to the present day. Each visit has allowed him to witness the remarkable transformations in Vietnam, further cementing the strong bond between the two brotherly nations.

Mr. Esteban Lazo Hernandez’s return to Vietnam, coinciding with the 50th-anniversary celebration of Fidel Castro’s visit to Vietnam, is a heartfelt gesture that underlines the deep fraternal affection between the two peoples, strengthening the enduring and special traditional friendship and solidarity between the Parties, States, and Peoples of Cuba and Vietnam. His visit to Quang Tri was particularly moving as he received a warm and thoughtful welcome from the province’s leaders, officials, and residents.

The Cuban top legislator and Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man with children from Quang Tri. Photo: MD

This hospitality serves as a testament to the genuine sentiments of the people of Quang Tri towards Cuba. The Cuban top legislator congratulated Quang Tri for its impressive achievements across various sectors while expressing his gratitude for the perpetual appreciation of Quang Tri residents for the Cuban delegation.

In Quang Tri, Chairman Esteban Lazo Hernandez paid visits to historical sites such as Hien Luong Bridge, Ben Hai River, the 17th Parallel Exhibition House, and the Desire for Unification Monument at the Special National Monument Hien Luong - Ben Hai River banks, all of which are significant locations that President Fidel Castro visited in 1973.

Ngoc Mai - Minh Duc