​Speech of Mr Nguyen Phu Trong - General Secretary at the solemn reception to greet President of Cuba Mr. Raul Castro Ruz

"Dear Mr. Raul Castro,

Dear Cuban and Vietnamese comrades,

On behalf of the Party, State, Government and people of Vietnam, we would like to warmly welcome President Raul Castro Ruz and Senior Delegation of the Party, State and Government of Cuba to our country, filling us with the feeling of solidarity and brotherhood. More than 100 years ago, - through the story "A walk in the country of An Nam People" in "The Golden Age" by Jose Marti - the national hero - the typical Vietnamese with hardworking, creative and courageous spirit were introduced to the Cuban people. Through the years, this deep feeling has become crystallized in the immortal words of the Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro: "Cuba is always ready to devote its blood for the sake of Vietnam."

 

We welcome Mr. Raul accopanied by the delegation of Cuban comrades as we welcome back our siblings, distinguished representatives of the Cuban Revolution, and friends who have always shared ideals, trenches, and always been by our side in our struggle for national liberation, national construction and defense for over the past half century, despite the events of history.

 

Once again, on behalf of the Party, State, Government and people of Vietnam, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for the brotherhood of the two nations, as well as the unconditional, honest, transparent help and support of Cuban Party, State, Government and people towards our country throughout the past years, even when the Cuban must confront with enormous difficulties in the "special period".

 

Vietnam has always paid attention and admired the extraordinary efforts of the Cuban people; under the ingenious leadership of the glory Cuban Communist Party, the country was able to confront and gradually overcome the difficulties and challenges created by blockade policies, activities of hostile forces and natural disasters; national independence, national sovereignty and the tremendous achievements of the revolution organization were firmly protected. We firmly believe that, under the guiding light of resolutions of the Congress VI and the first National Conference, Cuban Communist Party will continue to lead the Cuban to successfully implement the policy of updating the concept of socioeconomic development, opening a new phase of development for the benefit of the Cuban as well as for the lofty goals of socialism. Once again, we reaffirm the consistent solidarity and the support of the Party, State, Government and people of Vietnam to the revolutionary of the Cuban.

 

"Dear Mr. Raul Castro Ruz,

Dear Cuban and Vietnamese comrades,

More than half a century, the friendship, solidarity and loyalty, mutual trust and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, the people of two countries have always been enhanced by our President Ho Chi Minh and Leader of Cuban Revolution Fidel Castro and generations of leaders of the two nations. This visit to Vietnam of Mr. Raul Castro is the continuation to promote new developments in the relationship between the two Parties and countries and to realize the agreements in Joint Statement between Vietnam and Cuba recently. Vietnam pledged to do their best to make the cooperation more deeply comprehensive; to promote the solution of economic-trade cooperation increasing efficiency, in accordance with new conditions and benefits of each country, contributing to national construction and defense in Vietnam and Cuba.

 

With that belief, I would like to propose a toast together:

-  I hope that the solidarity, friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Cuba will be further consolidated and developed!

- I hope that the Cuban, under the leadership of the glory Cuban Communist Party will get greater victories in the national construction and defense of the socialist of Cuba!

- I wish Mr. Raul Castro Ruz and Cuban Delegation good health, happiness and success!

- Solidarity of Vietnam - Cuba!

- Wish all people here good health!"