Vietnamese Party chief’s spouse reunites with Cuban President’s spouse in Hanoi

Madame Ngo Phuong Ly said she was touched that nearly a year had passed since their first meeting.

The Cuban leader and his spouse are on a three-day state visit to Vietnam and are scheduled to attend the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and Vietnam’s National Day (September 2).

At the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, the two spouses watched several performances of Vietnam’s traditional water puppetry.

Madame Lis Cuesta Peraza showed delight upon receiving two water puppets as gifts.

She expressed her hope that in the future, Vietnamese puppetry artists would have the opportunity to visit Cuba to introduce and perform this unique art form to the Cuban people.

For her part, Madame Ngo Phuong Ly recalled fond memories of her visit to Cuba in September 2024.

During that trip, she and the Cuban First Lady visited the El Arca Puppet Theater and Museum, which also houses several Vietnamese water puppets.

Noting that both Vietnam and Cuba possess unique puppetry traditions, Madame Ngo Phuong Ly said she was pleased to reunite with Madame Lis Cuesta Peraza in Hanoi and to have the opportunity to introduce her to Vietnam’s water puppetry.

After leaving the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, the two spouses walked to Ngoc Son Temple, one of Hanoi’s must-visit destinations.

Along the way, many locals gathered in anticipation of the 80th National Day celebration were surprised to see Madame Ngo Phuong Ly and the Cuban First Lady.

The public cheerfully waved at them, took out their phones to capture the moment, and chanted "Vietnam! Cuba!"

The two women warmly waved back, visibly moved by the affection shown by the Vietnamese people toward the two nations.

Inside the Ngoc Son Temple compound, Madame Ngo Phuong Ly and Madame Lis Cuesta Peraza offered incense, toured the site, and listened to stories about the history of the temple and Hoan Kiem Lake.

At the calligraphy table, Madame Ngo Phuong Ly introduced her Cuban guest to the Vietnamese tradition of requesting calligraphy from a scholar, symbolizing wishes for good fortune.

Lis Cuesta Peraza was once again surprised and touched when she was given the calligraphy work reading "Binh an" (Peace).

Expressing sincere thanks to Madame Ngo Phuong Ly and Vietnam for the warm welcome, Madame Lis Cuesta Peraza hoped that the special friendship and solidarity between Vietnam and Cuba would continue to transcend geographical distance and always remain close in the hearts of the two peoples.

During their joint activities, a young girl in ao dai (traditional Vietnamese long gown) standing between them drew public attention. At one moment, she was seen tearing up as Vietnamese citizens chanted "Vietnam - Cuba".

The girl is Victoria Chu, of both Vietnamese and Cuban descent, whom Madame Ngo Phuong Ly met during her visit to Cuba in September 2024.

During that visit, Madame Ngo Phuong Ly was warmly received by the Cuban First Lady, Lis Cuesta Peraza.

Together, they visited Vo Thi Thang Elementary School in Havana, named after a Vietnamese heroine, where they interacted with the teachers and students.

At the school, Victoria Chu boldly asked to hug and kiss Madame Ngo Phuong Ly on the cheek. Deeply touched by the gesture, Madame Ngo Phuong Ly embraced and encouraged her to study well.

Since then, due to her affection for Vietnam and its people, Victoria Chu has been cherished by the family of the Cuban President and considered as one of their own.

Victoria Chu accompanied Lis Cuesta Peraza on Monday in Hanoi. She was seen holding the First Lady’s hand during the official welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace and joined the visit to the water puppet show and Ngoc Son Temple with Madame Ngo Phuong Ly.

This reunion became even more heartfelt and intimate with the many stories shared, making it feel as though the conversation had no end.