Party and State leaders welcomed and held talks with First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, President of the Council of State and Council of Ministers of Cuba Raul Castro.

• DNUM_AJZAHZCABC 08:21

At the invitation of the leaders of the Party and State of Vietnam, Comrade Raul Castro Ruz, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, President of the Council of State (CSU) and the Council of Ministers (CSU) of the Republic of Cuba, arrived in Hanoi, beginning an official friendship visit to our country.

General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong welcomed and held talks with Comrade Raul Castro Ruz.

On the afternoon of July 8, the official welcoming ceremony for Comrade Raul Castro Ruz was solemnly held at the Presidential Palace according to the highest protocol reserved for heads of state. General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong presided over the welcoming ceremony. At exactly 3 p.m., the motorcade carrying Comrade Raul Castro Ruz and members of the high-ranking delegation of the Cuban Party and State entered the Presidential Palace Square. General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong; Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan; Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan, along with many high-ranking officials of the Party and State warmly welcomed Comrade Raul Castro Ruz and members of the delegation - close friends, comrades, and brothers. Military band played the national anthems of the two countries. General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong; First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, President of the Council of State and Council of Ministers of the Republic of Cuba Raul Castro Ruz reviewed the honor guard of the Vietnam People's Army and introduced the officials present at the welcoming ceremony.

* On the same day, at the Party Central Committee Headquarters, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong held talks with Comrade Raul Castro Ruz, First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee, President of the State Council and the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Cuba. Also attending the talks, on the Vietnamese side were comrades: Nguyen Thien Nhan, member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Prime Minister; Hoang Binh Quan, member of the Party Central Committee, Head of the Party Central Committee's External Relations Commission; Dao Viet Trung, member of the Party Central Committee, Head of the President's Office; Trinh Dinh Dung, member of the Party Central Committee, Minister of Construction - Chairman of the Vietnam Sub-Committee in the Vietnam - Cuba Intergovernmental Committee; Vu Dung, Assistant to the General Secretary; Bui Thanh Son, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Vu Chi Cong, Vietnamese Ambassador to Cuba.

Attending the talks, on the Cuban side were comrades: Ricardo Cabrisat Ruiz, Vice Chairman of the Council of Ministers; Bruno Rodrigues Paria, Member of the Party Central Committee, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Fredericton Turo Gonzales, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Vietnam; Luis Rodrigues Lopets, Major General, Assistant to the First Secretary; Emilio Lozada Garcia, Chief of Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs...

On behalf of the Party, State and people of Vietnam, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong warmly welcomed Comrade Raul Castro, a great and close friend of the Vietnamese people, to return to Vietnam in his capacity as the highest leader of the Party, State and Government of the Republic of Cuba; considering this a continuation of the joint efforts of the two sides to promote a new step of development in the relationship between the two Parties and two countries and to realize the agreements in the recent Vietnam - Cuba Joint Statement, contributing to strengthening and raising the relationship between the two countries to a new height. General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong informed President Raul Castro of the main features of the recent situation in Vietnam; highlighting the political, socio-economic policies and guidelines, the great and historic achievements of 26 years of renovation, while emphasizing the difficulties, challenges and lessons learned from the practical leadership and direction of the cause of national construction and defense in Vietnam; affirming that the Vietnamese people, under the leadership of the glorious Communist Party, will continue to persevere in the goal of national independence and socialism, adhere to Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought, promote industrialization and modernization of the country, and successfully implement the Resolution of the 11th National Party Congress.

General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong sincerely thanked President Raul Castro for his open and friendly exchange, in the spirit of brotherhood and mutual trust, on the situation in Cuba, the international situation and the relations between the two Parties and the two countries; expressed his joy at Cuba's great victories in the cause of defending national independence and sovereignty and building socialism, especially the very encouraging initial victories of the "updating" of the socio-economic development model approved at the 6th Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba in April 2011 and firmly believed that, under the wise leadership of the Communist Party of Cuba, headed by beloved Comrade Raul Castro, the fraternal Cuban people will overcome all difficulties and challenges, and gain even greater victories in their noble revolutionary cause.

On behalf of the Party, State and people of Vietnam, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong sincerely thanked the Party, State and people of Cuba for their deep solidarity and great and valuable support for the cause of national liberation and reunification in the past as well as the current cause of national construction and protection of the Vietnamese people; affirmed the consistent stance of supporting the just struggle of the Cuban people and the determination of the Party and people of Vietnam to constantly consolidate and develop the friendship, solidarity, loyalty, mutual trust and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, two States and people of the two countries.
President Raul Castro thanked the Party, State and people of Vietnam for their warm sentiments, respectful welcome, and comradely and fraternal affection for him and the high-ranking delegation of the Party and State of Cuba; he was moved and delighted to return to visit the heroic country of Vietnam and witness the great changes in the homeland of the great President Ho Chi Minh. President Raul Castro highly appreciated the great achievements of historical significance of the renovation process initiated and led by the Communist Party of Vietnam, considering them a great source of encouragement and valuable experience for the Cuban people in the cause of national construction and defense, especially during the period when Cuba is carrying out the "updating" of its socio-economic development model; highly appreciated the growing role and international position of Vietnam in the Southeast Asia, Asia-Pacific region as well as in international forums and organizations; firmly believed that Vietnam would continue to successfully implement the Resolution of the 11th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, achieving even greater achievements in the cause of industrialization and modernization of the country, for the goal of "rich people, strong country, democracy, equality, civilization", firmly moving towards socialism. President Raul Castro sincerely thanked the solidarity, support and valuable spiritual and material assistance that the Party, State and people of Vietnam have always given to the Cuban people, especially during the difficult years of the "special period".

President Raul Castro reported on the general situation in Cuba, the extremely meaningful achievements that the Cuban Party and people have achieved in the context of embargo and continuous natural disasters, the initial results and the difficulties and challenges in the process of implementing the policy of "updating" the socio-economic development model of the 6th Congress; affirmed the determination to protect national independence and sovereignty and the great achievements that the Cuban revolution has achieved, especially in the fields of society, health care, education, science and technology, culture and sports, demonstrating the superiority and humanity of the socialist regime that the Cuban Party and people have chosen.
In the spirit of brotherly trust, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and President Raul Castro had in-depth discussions on all-round relations between the two Parties and countries and specific measures to deepen the comprehensive cooperation relationship; promote economic and trade cooperation solutions to increase efficiency, in line with new conditions and the interests of each country. General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and President Raul Castro agreed to increase exchanges at all levels; promote the exchange of practical and theoretical experiences, especially in Party building and personnel work; expand and improve the efficiency and sustainability of economic, trade and investment cooperation; strengthen coordination and mutual support at international forums of which both countries are members. The two sides also discussed international and regional issues of mutual concern, especially the global economic crisis and recession, the situation in the Asia-Pacific region and Latin America.
On this occasion, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong sent his warmest regards to Leader Fidel Castro and other leaders of the Cuban Party and State.

* On the same day, at the Presidential Palace, President Truong Tan Sang met with Comrade Raul Castro, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, President of the Council of State and Council of Ministers of the Republic of Cuba, on the occasion of his official friendly visit to Vietnam. In a warm atmosphere of friendship, President Truong Tan Sang expressed his pleasure to welcome Comrade Raul Castro to Vietnam in his capacity as Head of the Party, State and Government of Cuba. President Truong Tan Sang stated: Comrade Raul Castro's visit follows the visit of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong to Cuba, which is an extremely important historical milestone in the relationship between the two countries and peoples. Appreciating the successful outcome of the talks between Comrade Raul Castro and General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, President Truong Tan Sang affirmed that, although half a world apart, Vietnam and Cuba are two close countries in the past and present. President Truong Tan Sang emphasized that during the years when Vietnam fought for independence, Comrade Fidel Castro's visit to Quang Tri and his heartfelt words at that time: "For Vietnam, Cuba is willing to sacrifice even its blood", were a great source of spiritual encouragement, contributing to the victory of the Vietnamese revolution, while leaving a deep and indelible impression on generations of Vietnamese people.

President Truong Tan Sang met with Comrade Raul Castro Ruz.

President Truong Tan Sang said that despite many difficulties, the construction of Cuba under the talented and wise leadership of the Communist Party of Cuba will be successful, and Cuba's socio-economic development path according to the new model will lead to victory. President Truong Tan Sang emphasized that the solidarity, friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries will continue to be promoted from high levels to all sectors, not only in socio-economics but also in many fields, at regional and international forums. The President affirmed that he will do his best to continue to strengthen the relationship between the two countries. Wishing Comrade Raul's visit a success, contributing to deepening the friendship between the two countries, President Truong Tan Sang sent his regards and best wishes to Comrade Fidel Castro and the comrades in the leadership of the Cuban Party and State.
Thanking the President for his sincere words, Comrade Raul Castro expressed his pleasure to visit Vietnam again and witness the socio-economic development achievements of his comrades and brothers. Comrade Raul Castro said that the comprehensive cooperation between the two countries has been affirmed, vividly demonstrated through mutual assistance in the past and present, and has been continuously built and nurtured by generations of leaders and people of Vietnam and Cuba. Comrade Raul Castro said that in recent years, Cuba has been perfecting its management models, especially in the economic field. Appreciating Vietnam's successes in the renovation process, Comrade Raul Castro expressed his desire to learn from Vietnam's experience in directing socio-economic management, through regular exchanges between the two countries' sectors and levels. Referring to issues of concern to the international community such as environmental pollution, conflicts of interest, democracy, etc., Comrade Raul Castro said that Cuba wants to cooperate with countries on the basis of equality; continue to adhere to the socialist path, for the goal of building a friendly and prosperous Cuba.

* On the same afternoon, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung met with Comrade Raul Castro, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, President of the Council of State and Council of Ministers of the Republic of Cuba. Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung warmly welcomed Comrade Raul Castro on his official friendly visit to our country; he said that the visit of Comrade Raul Castro, a comrade, friend and close brother of Vietnam, is of special significance, contributing to the comprehensive development of the cooperative relationship between the two countries in many fields. Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung emphasized that the Vietnamese Government expressed its joy at the great achievements that the Cuban comrades have achieved under the leadership of the Communist Party of Cuba headed by Comrade Raul Castro; highly appreciated the successful results of the talks between General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and Comrade Raul Castro during this visit. Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung affirmed that the Vietnamese Government will make every effort to work with the Cuban side to effectively implement the agreements reached by the two countries' senior leaders during General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's recent visit to Cuba as well as the agreements reached during Comrade Raul Castro's visit to Vietnam this time.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung met with Comrade Raul Castro Ruz.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung emphasized that, on the basis of the very good political and diplomatic relations between the two countries, Vietnam and Cuba need to further strengthen economic, trade and investment cooperation activities, giving high priority to areas of cooperation with much potential and advantages that the two sides can complement each other for mutual development, for the common interests of both countries. Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said that in areas with potential for cooperation between the two countries such as agriculture, energy, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, etc., in the coming time, the competent agencies of the two countries need to focus on exchanging and reaching consensus to continue to bring these areas of cooperation into greater depth, practicality and effectiveness. Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung also shared with Comrade Raul Castro Vietnam's experiences in the process of building, innovating and developing the country's socio-economy.

Comrade Raul Castro expressed his pleasure to visit Vietnam and witness the great achievements that the Party, State and people of Vietnam have achieved in the cause of building and developing the country's socio-economy; believing that these results are a great source of encouragement and motivation for the Party, State and people of Cuba in the process of building and developing their country. Comrade Raul Castro emphasized: The Party, State and people of Cuba have always been one, always wishing to strengthen and consolidate multi-faceted cooperation with Vietnam, and to have Vietnam share valuable experiences in the process of innovation, building and developing the country. Assessing Vietnam as a country with developed agricultural production, Comrade Raul Castro hopes to receive cooperation and support from Vietnam for Cuba in building and developing the agricultural sector, especially in growing food crops and industrial crops... At the same time, Comrade Raul Castro also hopes to continue receiving Vietnam's support for Cuba at international and regional forums.

* On the same evening, at the International Convention Center, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong; President Truong Tan Sang; Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung held a solemn reception to welcome Comrade Raul Castro Ruz and members of the high-ranking delegation of the Republic of Cuba on an official friendly visit to our country.

On behalf of the Party, State, Government and people of Vietnam, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong expressed his sincere gratitude for the brotherly solidarity, selfless, sincere and pure support and assistance that the Party, State, Government and people of Cuba have given Vietnam over the past years. Vietnam has always paid close attention to and greatly admired the extraordinary efforts of the Cuban people in firmly defending national independence, national sovereignty and the great achievements of the revolution. The General Secretary expressed the solidarity and consistent support of the Party, State, Government and people of Vietnam for the just revolutionary cause of the Cuban people.

Comrade Raul Castro Ruz affirmed that the Cuban and Vietnamese people are bound together by a common history of struggle and resistance to protect the sovereignty and independence of the two nations. The solidarity and friendship between the Parties, Governments and peoples of the two countries have withstood the test of difficult and complicated times, but that has contributed to the continuous strengthening of Vietnam - Cuba relations.