President Ho Chi Minh once wrote: “Our military is loyal to the Party, dedicated to the people, ready to fight and sacrifice for the independence and freedom of the Fatherland and socialism. Every task will be fulfilled, every difficulty overcome, and every enemy defeated” (Complete Works of Ho Chi Minh, National Political Publishing House, Volume 14, page 435). His teachings have been proven by practice over the past 80 years, since its establishment, the VPA has achieved glorious victories, illuminating the history of building and defending the Fatherland, deserving the trust of the Vietnamese people.
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A delegation of young officers of the Vietnam People's Army visits the José Marti Military Technical Institute. |
Present and future generations, both in Vietnam and across the world, cannot overlook the incredible economic achievements of Vietnam and the country’s brilliant victories. These victories have been built on the sweat, blood, and sacrifices of millions of courageous soldiers, resulting in today’s peace, independence, and territorial integrity.
The Cuban Party, State, Revolutionary Armed Forces (RAFs), and people treasure the traditional relationship and special friendship with Vietnam. Above all, we cherish the historical and steadfast cooperation between the militaries of our two nations in all circumstances and conditions.
Vietnam and Cuba have overcome immense difficulties and made great sacrifices, defeated the most powerful enemy on the planet and always maintained solidarity and loyalty to the teachings of our leaders, safeguarded by the unbreakable shield of the two armed forces and under the absolute leadership of our respective Parties. We, the Cuban people, admire the history and achievements of the VPA and its revolutionary heroism, forged through strict discipline, creativity, courage, determination, and a strong bond with the people. The virtue of "Uncle Ho’s soldiers" represents an outstanding military cultural value, not just for Vietnam but for the world. The VPA embodies the patriotic tradition of the Vietnamese people, shaped by the education and leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President Ho Chi Minh.
Today’s generation of officers and soldiers are building an increasingly regular, elite, and modern military, ready to fight with high determination. They play a pivotal role in fostering the whole-people national defense posture and fulfilling international responsibilities. They are worthy successors of their predecessors, preserving and creatively advancing revolutionary achievements in building and defending the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
In 2024, Vietnam and Cuba commemorated the 40th anniversary of the signing of the "Military Cooperation Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Cuba and the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam" (signed on December 5, 1984). On behalf of the personnel of Cuba’s RAFs and the Communist Party of Cuba, I extend heartfelt gratitude to Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defense for its regular support in training and fostering Cuban military personnel. The bond between our armed forces continues to be strengthened, combat readiness across all domains enhanced amid the complex and unpredictable transformation of global and regional contexts. In such times, Vietnam and Cuba remain steadfastly protected by their legacies of resilient struggle, the immense strength of their armed forces, and, most importantly, their people.
We aspire to a world of peace and cooperation, where every nation determines its destiny while contributing to a better world. We, the Cuban people, deeply appreciate Vietnam’s consistent support in condemning the U.S. government’s unilateral economic, trade, and financial embargo against Cuba. Vietnam’s solidarity in all fields exemplifies your commitment to the revolutionary cause and the Cuban people.
We sent our congratulations on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People’s Army. We wished the leadership, officers, and soldiers of the VPA happiness and success. We deeply respect your courage, revolutionary heroism, and resilience in safeguarding your nation's peace and your people's happiness.
ORLANDO HERNÁNDEZ GUILLÉN
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Cuba to Vietnam (2021–2024)
Translated by Trung Thanh