Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and resident of the State Council and Council of Ministers, Raul Castro Ruz

Vietnam and Cuba have issued a joint press release on the occasion of Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung’s visit to Cuba at the invitation of President of the State Council and Council of Ministers, Raul Castro Ruz.

 

The Vietnamese leader stayed in the country from March 26-28, during which time he attended many high-level meetings with Cuban leaders. In those, the two sides expressed their delight at the development of bilateral ties and affirmed their determination to consolidate Vietnam-Cuba fraternal solidarity, traditional friendship and close cooperation further. This relationship, they said will serve national defence and socialism-building in each nation.

 

They agreed on a string of measures to strengthen their partnership, especially in areas of strength such as trade, agriculture, telecommunications, tourism, defence, education and training.

 

The leaders pledged to closely collaborate in organising activities to mark the 55 th anniversary of their diplomatic ties in 2015.

 

Vietnam asked the US administration to immediately and unconditionally end its economic, political and financial embargo and other hostile actions against Cuba , which have lasted for more than half a century. It reaffirmed its support for the struggle for justice for three patriotic Cuban soldiers who are being detained in the US .

 

Vietnam also highly valued the prestige and position of Cuba in Latin America and the Caribbean, confirmed via the recent successful organisation of the Community of Latin America and Caribbean States (CELAC) Summit in Havana .

 

Cuba congratulated the Vietnamese Party, Government and people on their renewal achievements of historical significance, including rapid economic growth, socio-political stability and improved living standards.

Cuban leaders voiced their appreciation for Vietnam ’s foreign policy of peace, independence, self-reliance and international cooperation, which contributes to stability, cooperation and development in the Southeast Asian region and the world.

 

The two sides agreed that global disputes should be resolved by peaceful means on the basis of international law, respect for independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and right to self-determination of peoples. They also concurred that there should be no interference in countries’ internal affairs and no threats to use force.

 

They stressed the importance of the Inter-governmental Committee on Economic and Scientific-Technological Cooperation between the two countries, and agreed to work closely in preparing for the committee’s 32 nd session in the second half of this year.

 

PM Dung and President Castro highlighted the importance of a mid-term bilateral economic agenda signed during the visit, considering it a framework for economic relations between Vietnam and Cuba in the next five years.

 

The leaders agreed that the two countries will increase coordination, cooperation and mutual support at international organisations and multilateral forums to which both are members, such as the United Nations, the Non-aligned Movement and the Forum for East Asia-Latin America Cooperation, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the two regions and the globe at large.

 

Both sides reaffirmed their support for G77, the role of Bolivia as the group’s Chair and its summit to be held this June.

 

On behalf of the Vietnamese Party and State, Prime Minister Dung invited President Castro to visit Vietnam at an early date. The Cuban leader accepted the invitation with pleasure.

VNA