Vietnam and Cuba Strengthen Parliamentary Ties in Hanoi Talks
Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn held extensive talks with the President of the National Assembly of People’s Power of Cuba, Esteban Lazo Hernandez, who is on an official visit to Vietnam. The talks followed a formal welcome ceremony for the Cuban leader in Hanoi, underscoring the commitment to strengthening the enduring friendship between Vietnam and Cuba.
Chairman Mẫn emphasized the importance of regular high-level exchanges between the two nations, noting how these visits reinforce the unique solidarity that has flourished over 64 years of diplomatic relations. He expressed gratitude for Cuba’s unwavering support, including the Cuban delegation’s attendance at the national funeral of late Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng in July, led by Esteban Lazo himself. Chairman Mẫn highlighted the close ties fostered by historical figures such as President Hồ Chí Minh and leader Fidel Castro, calling it a model relationship in international relations. Vietnam, he affirmed, is determined to preserve and deepen this special bond across all sectors for generations to come.
President Lazo expressed his appreciation for Vietnam’s longstanding solidarity, particularly thanking the Vietnamese government for a recent donation of 10,000 tonnes of rice amidst Cuba’s food and energy challenges. He emphasized the impact of Vietnamese investment in Cuba’s energy and tourism sectors and expressed optimism for collaboration in renewable energy and law-making, as Cuba works to establish a comprehensive enterprise law.
The Cuban leader also noted that recent positive developments in bilateral relations were strengthened following the state visit of Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm to Cuba in September. During that visit, both nations issued a Joint Statement pledging to elevate their partnership, with an emphasis on cooperation in socialism development for the prosperity of their people and regional stability.
Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress of parliamentary cooperation between the two countries. They cited successful initiatives such as the first session of the Vietnam-Cuba Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Committee, held in September, which marked a milestone in collaborative governance and policy development. The two legislatures aim to expand these efforts through increased delegation exchanges and experience-sharing in law-making, oversight, and decision-making.
Looking ahead, the Vietnamese National Assembly expressed its commitment to bolstering collaboration with the Cuban National Assembly through enhanced dialogue and new cooperation mechanisms. Plans for the second session of the Vietnam-Cuba Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Committee, set to take place in Vietnam next year, reflect the shared ambition to solidify these legislative ties. The leaders also agreed to support each other on regional and international issues at forums such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), underscoring the unity between the two nations on the global stage.
