Quang Tri leader visits Cuba

Upon receiving an invitation from Emilio Lozada García, the Head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations, a delegation from Quang Tri Province, led by Nguyen Dang Quang, the Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People’s Council, visited Cuba from December 12 to 14, 2023.

The island nation of Cuba, renowned for its heroism and beauty, officially established diplomatic ties with Vietnam in 1960. Over the past six decades, the friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Cuba have continually strengthened and flourished across various sectors, with both nations coordinating and supporting each other on the international stage.

At all levels, both sides consistently engage in delegation exchanges, with leaders from both countries affirming their commitment to preserving and enhancing the exceptional and rare relationship between Vietnam and Cuba. The goal is to propel their cooperation to a new stage of deeper and more effective development, particularly by elevating economic collaboration to match the strong political ties.

In the hearts of all Vietnamese people, especially those in Quang Tri Province, the immortal words of leader Fidel Castro resonate: "For Vietnam, Cuba is willing to sacrifice its own blood." Fidel’s visit to the southern liberated area in Quang Tri in September 1973 remains an indelible mark in the collective memory of the people of Quang Tri.

Some of the activities of Quang Tri delegation in Cuba. Photo: V.B

In recent years, Quang Tri Province has actively pursued numerous foreign affairs activities, emphasizing friendly exchanges and cooperation with Cuba. This includes Cuba’s assistance in planning tourism on Con Co island and various technical and material support initiatives.

In 2019, the Cuban Ministry of Health and Quang Tri Province signed a Memorandum of Understanding, outlining a comprehensive cooperation strategy in the health sector. Furthermore, the Cuban Government awarded two scholarships in 2022 for Quang Tri students to study medicine in Cuba. In 2018, Quang Tri completed the construction of Fidel Park in Dong Ha city center – the first park in Vietnam named after the esteemed leader of Cuba.

April 2023 marked a significant moment when leaders of Quang Tri Province and Holguin Province signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish friendly and cooperative relations, witnessed by the Presidents of the National Assembly of both countries.

This agreement paved the way for collaboration in areas of mutual interest and advantage. Notably, in September 2023, Quang Tri Province had the honor of hosting the celebration of the 50th anniversary of President Fidel Castro’s visit to the liberated region of Southern Vietnam in Quang Tri. The event welcomed high-ranking leaders of the Party and State from both Cuba and Vietnam.

During their trip to Cuba, the Quang Tri Provincial Delegation engaged in various activities, including laying flowers at the monuments of Uncle Ho in Ho Chi Minh Park and Jose Marti in Havana. They also paid a courtesy visit to Rogelia Polanco Fuanti, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Head of the Central Propaganda Department of the Communist Party of Cuba, as well as met with Emilio Lozada García, Head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations. The delegation visited the Vo Thi Thang Primary School in La Havana, the Fidel Castro Center, and the Cuban Institute of Friendship with Peoples. Additionally, they had bilateral discussions with the First Secretary of Villa Clara Province and participated in various other activities.

During meetings and working sessions, Nguyen Dang Quang, the Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People’s Council, provided updates on the socio-economic development, national defense, security, and Party building efforts in Quang Tri Province.

According to Quang, Quang Tri Province expressed sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Party, Government, and People of Cuba, particularly leader Fidel Castro, for their encouragement and significant assistance during the national liberation struggle and in the ongoing efforts to build the homeland. The special relationship between Vietnam and Cuba was emphasized as an exemplary and faithful connection rooted in shared histories of independence, socialist ideals, and the pursuit of an independent foreign policy with a noble international spirit.

Quang acknowledged that despite facing challenges such as the US blockade, embargo, and the impact of COVID-19, Cuba has shown resilience and achieved remarkable successes. The approval of the “Socio-economic development strategy until 2030” by the Politburo of the Communist Party of Cuba and the effort to create a long-term legal framework with market economy elements were noted as significant steps.

Quang Tri Province is dedicated to building a prosperous and beautiful homeland, reflecting the deep sentiments and image of President Fidel Castro. The province hopes for continued cooperation programs with Cuba in various fields, particularly those where Cuba excels, such as health, tourism, education, and training. The wish is for the Party and State of Cuba to foster ongoing collaboration with Vietnam and Quang Tri Province, Quang said.

Nguyen Van Bien - Ngoc Mai