Vietnam, Cuba vow to foster economic, trade, investment ties

The agreement was reached during talks in Hanoi on Monday between Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam and Cuban First Secretary and President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, who is on a state visit to Vietnam with his spouse and a high-level delegation.

The Cuban leader will also attend Vietnam’s 80th National Day celebrations on September 2.

General Secretary Lam welcomed Díaz-Canel and his delegation, stressing the enduring solidarity between the two nations as a model in international relations.

Both leaders voiced confidence in the bright future of Vietnam–Cuba ties and agreed to deepen political trust, maintain high-level exchanges, and expand cooperation in priority sectors.

Accordingly, they pledged to step up economic, trade, and investment cooperation, with particular focus on agriculture, renewable energy, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.

The two sides encouraged joint ventures in drug production, technology transfer from Cuba, and research in high-tech medical products in Vietnam to improve public health in both countries.

Beyond the economic sphere, the leaders agreed to enhance cooperation in defense, security, justice, science and technology, construction, culture, sports, and people-to-people exchanges.

President Díaz-Canel said Cuba would create favorable conditions for Vietnamese businesses, especially in rice production and agricultural development, to help strengthen Cuba’s food security.

General Secretary Lam reaffirmed that Vietnam always follows Cuba’s development and regards solidarity with Cuba as a matter of conscience and responsibility.

He cited the recent nationwide fundraising campaign themed ‘65 years of Vietnam–Cuba solidarity,’ which has drawn nearly two million participants and raised about VND385 billion (US$15.17 million).

President Díaz-Canel expressed gratitude for Vietnam’s support, saying the country’s achievements over the past 80 years serve as a major source of encouragement for Cuba.

The two nations also committed to continued coordination at international organizations and multilateral forums to protect the legitimate rights and interests of states and contribute to global peace, stability, cooperation, and development.

General Secretary Lam reiterated Vietnam’s call for lifting unilateral sanctions and embargoes against Cuba.

After the talks, the leaders witnessed the symbolic handover of the first tranche of funds raised under the solidarity campaign, along with the signing of cooperation documents in economy, agriculture, health, and science-technology.