Vietnam welcomes Cuba-US dialogue, urges progress toward normalization

At a regular press briefing in Hanoi on Thursday, the ministry's spokesperson Pham Thu Hang said Vietnam supports efforts by Cuba and the U.S. to engage in dialogue based on respect for independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the fundamental principles of international law.

She said Vietnam hopes the two sides will move toward improved and normalized relations for the benefit of their peoples, as well as for peace, cooperation, stability, and development in the region and beyond.

Vietnam is closely monitoring developments and believes Cuba will overcome its current challenges, she added.

Hang also reaffirmed Vietnam’s traditional solidarity and friendship with the Cuban people, as well as its consistent support for United Nations General Assembly resolutions calling for the removal of the unilateral embargo against Cuba.

Her remarks came amid recent comments from Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel confirming that Cuban officials have been holding dialogue with U.S. representatives to seek ways to narrow differences.

Díaz-Canel said the talks aim to identify key bilateral issues, assess the two sides’ goodwill in implementing concrete steps that serve the interests of both peoples, and explore potential areas of cooperation, contributing to peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean.

He emphasized that Cuba is ready to advance the process on the basis of equality, mutual respect, and adherence to each country’s political system, sovereignty, and self-determination, as well as international law.

Díaz-Canel also noted that the dialogue is being conducted in a serious and responsible manner, as it relates to bilateral relations and requires sustained efforts to build mutual understanding, promote progress, and avoid confrontation.

Vietnam and Cuba established diplomatic relations on December 2, 1960, and have maintained for more than 65 years what both sides describe as a special relationship of traditional solidarity and friendship.

Despite global challenges, bilateral ties have continued to strengthen and are widely regarded by both countries’ leaders as a valuable asset of their Parties and peoples.