Hanoi deepens partnership with Cuba localities
The Hanoi and Havana Party committees are working for the 2023-2028 cooperation agreement, with city agencies actively enhancing ties with Cuban partners.
The Hanoi Times — Hanoi prioritizes developing the friendship with Havana and Cuba’s localities, focusing on enhancing people-to-people exchanges.
Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Bui Thi Minh Hoai meets Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Rogelio Polanco Fuentes on March 13. Photos: Thanh Hai/The Hanoi Times
Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Bui Thi Minh Hoai said at the meeting on March 13 with Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Rogelio Polanco Fuentes with the attendance of Head of the Hanoi Party Committee’s Organization Commission Ha Minh Hai and Deputy Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen.
Specific moves will be implementing the 2023-2028 cooperation agreement, strengthening Party cooperation, exchanging delegations at various levels, and promoting collaboration in healthcare, trade, agriculture, food, and culture.
Hanoi will coordinate research and facilitate the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the development of a high-tech zone in Cuba.
The city will work closely with the Cuban Embassy in Vietnam to organize activities commemorating the 65th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Cuba diplomatic relations this year.
Hanoi's seniors officials at the meeting with Cuban diplomats.
Cozy cooperation
Hoai highlighted the strong partnership between Hanoi and Cuba, marked by regular delegation exchanges at multiple levels.
Hanoi actively collaborates, shares expertise, and provides support, including rice and computers, to Cuba and Havana. Notably, in June 2023, the Hanoi Party Committee and the Havana Party Committee signed a cooperation agreement for the 2023-2028 period, with several specialized city agencies proactively advancing cooperation with Cuban partners.
Hoài said the special bond between Vietnam and Cuba, established by President Ho Chi Minh and leader Fidel Castro, as a priceless legacy that must be safeguarded and passed down to future generations.
“The Vietnamese people deeply value and appreciate Cuba’s unwavering solidarity and support. The enduring brotherhood and camaraderie between the two nations will continue to be strengthened and eẽpanded,” said Hoai.
She stressed that 2025 will be vibrant with Vietnam and Cuba to celebrate 65 years of diplomatic relations, a milestone in their bilateral ties. Remarkably, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam’s state visit to Cuba in September 2024 has paved the way for a new era of cooperation, solidifying the deep-rooted solidarity between the two nations.
Participants at the meeting.
At the meeting, the Hanoi Party’s leader briefed on the city’s efforts to foster proactivity and creativity, overcome challenges, and achieve comprehensive accomplishments.
Since early 2025, Hanoi has pursued apparatus restructuring, advanced digital transformation, technology, and innovation to become a “green, smart, modern” city. These efforts enhance its competitiveness, global connectivity, and sustainable development while upholding its “City of Peace” status.
The city targets 8% and more for economic growth this year and maintains a fast and sustainable growing pace, the secretary said.
The city Party chief expressed confidence that Ambassador Rogelio Polanco Fuentes, with his extensive experience, particularly in diplomacy, will make positive contributions to developing the special Vietnam-Cuba relationship. She hopes that during his tenure, the ambassador will continue to promote cooperation between the two countries and between Hanoi and Havana.
On this occasion, Hoai sent her regards to the leaders of the Havana Party Committee and extended an invitation for them to visit Vietnam.
Ambassador Rogelio Polanco Fuentes emphasized the historical significance of Vietnam-Cuba relations and affirmed the need to continue fostering this bond for future generations. He noted that following General Secretary To Lam’s visit, bilateral relations have been elevated to a new, more sustainable, and effective level.
The year 2025 marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Cuba, along with many significant historical events. Cuba will also commemorate Vietnam’s key milestones, such as the 50th anniversary of the Reunification.
The ambassador expressed his desire for Hanoi-Havana cooperation agreements to become more substantive, particularly in exchanges, delegation visits, and collaborations in healthcare, education, and cultural exchanges.
He also conveyed his gratitude for Hanoi’s support in helping Cuba overcome difficulties and hopes to expand cooperation in various fields to strengthen the solidarity between the two nations.
