At the meeting in Havana, the Cuban minister welcomed Gen. Cuong and the high-ranking VPA delegation, recalling his own official visit to Vietnam in June 2023 and expressing deep affection for the country and its people.
He acknowledged the difficulties and challenges facing Cuba and expressed gratitude to Vietnam for its continued support. He hoped the two militaries would strengthen cooperation in mutually beneficial areas, thereby reinforcing the special friendship between the two countries and their armed forces.
Expressing his pleasure at returning to heroic and beautiful Cuba, Gen. Cuong emphasized the significance of the visit, which coincided with preparations for the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations (December 2, 1960–2025) and the Vietnam–Cuba Friendship Year.
He thanked the Cuban Minister, Chief of the General Staff, and the officers and troops of the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces for the warm and respectful welcome. He also conveyed greetings from Vietnamese Minister of National Defense General Phan Van Giang to his Cuban counterpart and other leaders of the Cuban Ministry of Revolutionary Armed Forces.
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Gen. Nguyen Tan Cuong (third from right) and the high-ranking delegation of the Vietnam People's Army at the talks |
Gen. Cuong affirmed that over the past 65 years, the relationship between the two countries has remained heartfelt, loyal, and steadfast, with comprehensive cooperation across sectors. He stressed that the Vietnamese people and the Vietnam People’s Army will never forget Cuba’s invaluable and wholehearted support during Vietnam’s most difficult times in the national liberation struggle, as well as in the current phase of national development. Sharing Cuba’s current challenges, Gen. Cuong reiterated Vietnam’s commitment to standing by Cuba in its efforts to build and develop its beautiful and resilient nation.
In a spirit of friendship, comradeship, and brotherhood, the two generals reviewed the outcomes of previous bilateral defense cooperation and agreed on future directions.
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Cuban Minister (center) Senior Lieutenant General Álvaro López Miera speaks at the event. |
Both sides agreed that defense cooperation remains a pillar of the bilateral relationship and serves as a model for broader collaboration. Since the Cuban Minister and Chief of the General Staff visited Vietnam, military cooperation has intensified and achieved practical, effective results. They highlighted cooperation in delegation exchanges, especially at high levels, military party and political work, personnel training, defense industry, military technology, cyber security, and other areas.
To further deepen defense ties, the two sides agreed to expand delegation exchanges; promote sharing of expertise and experience among agencies, units, and young officers; enhance cooperation in military party and political work; and boost collaboration in military technology, defense industry, and training.
They also agreed to enhance the effectiveness of information sharing, cooperation in military medicine, cyber security, economic and trade activities between military enterprises, and twinning programs.
Both generals emphasized that in light of the evolving and unpredictable global and regional context, the two countries and their militaries must promote solidarity and mutual support. With the achievements to date and the close guidance from both defense ministries’ leadership, they expressed confidence that bilateral defense cooperation will reach new heights.
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Cuban Minister hands over the replica of Gen. Antonio Maceo’s sword to Gen. Nguyen Tan Cuong. |
As part of his official visit, on the evening of June 17 (local time), Gen. Cuong was honored to receive a replica of Gen. Antonio Maceo’s sword, a noble award symbolizing respect and recognition of his contributions to strengthening the special traditional friendship and cooperation between the two Parties, States, peoples, and armed forces of Vietnam and Cuba.
In his remarks, Gen. Cuong expressed his belief that the deep bond, friendship, and special solidarity between the two countries, and their defense cooperation, will continue to grow stronger and more comprehensive, contributing to the development and protection of each country’s Fatherland and to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.
Reported by Ngoc Han (from Havana, Cuba)
Translated by Mai Huong