Cuban Consulate General inaugurates student-drawn mural in Ho Chi Minh City

On Saturday morning, the Consulate General of Cuba in Ho Chi Minh City inaugurated a special mural on the walls outside its building. 

The artwork was created through collaboration between the Cuban Consulate General and students from Ho Chi Minh City University of Fine Arts to commemorate the 65th anniversary of Vietnam-Cuba diplomatic relations.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Ariadne Feo Labrada, Cuban Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, described how the mural features Cuba's national white mariposa flower alongside Vietnam's lotus, surrounded by iconic landmarks and symbols from both nations including Vietnam's One Pillar Pagoda, Ha Long Bay, Cuba's Revolution Square, Viñales Valley, palm trees, bamboo, and sugarcane fields.

Labrada expressed her honor in dedicating the mural to the brave soldiers of both nations, to younger generations, and to the people of Vietnam and Cuba.

"I hope the new generation from Cuba and Vietnam will learn more about the culture and history of our nations," she said.

Labrada told Tuoi Tre News that the mural serves not only as a commemorative gift for the 65th anniversary but also as a vivid testament to cultural exchange between the two nations.

"Regardless of the geographical distance, we remain united by our cultural, historical, and other ties," she affirmed.

The diplomat expressed particular satisfaction with Vietnamese youth participation in the project: "We are very happy that the young people, students from the University of Fine Arts, can join us, and they created this beautiful mural that the young children and people of Ho Chi Minh City and all over the world can see. And they can see this mural every day walking on the streets of Ho Chi Minh City."

Vice-chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Loc Ha described the artwork as "a strong message about generational continuity and a friendship that continues to be nurtured and developed."

"The mural in front of us is a story told through images, colors, and the special relationship between Vietnam and Cuba," Ha stated.

"The intertwined flags of Vietnam and Cuba embody the unique character of the work, symbolizing the close brotherhood that has endured and overcome the harsh trials of hiítory."

He praised the students who "used their talent, intelligence, and passionate hearts" to transform the Cuban Consulate General's wall into a "small yet invaluable cultural legacy within the journey of the precious Vietnam-Cuba relationship."