A link strengthening ties between Vietnam and Cuba

In the history of modern international diplomacy, certain relationships have been shaped not only by political agreements but also by shared sacrifices, trust, and even blood. The relationship between Vietnam and Cuba is a vivid example of this.

A RELATIONSHIP BUILT ON HEARTFELT TIES

In September 1973, as the bombs over Quang Tri subsided, on the fiery frontlines of central Vietnam, Cuban leader Fidel Castro, dressed in the green uniform of the Truong Son forests and wearing his characteristic optimistic smile, became the first foreign head of state to set foot in the liberated areas of South Vietnam. His words resonated like a solemn vow at a time when the nation faced a life-and-death struggle: “For Vietnam, Cuba is ready to give even its blood.”

Nguyen Thi Hoang, member of the Provincial Party Committee and Vice Chairwoman of the Dong Nai People’s Committee, welcomes Ariadne Feo Labrada, Consul General of Cuba in Ho Chi Minh City, during her working visit to Dong Nai. Photo: Hien Vuong.

That declaration was more than a political statement; it symbolized brotherhood and unconditional solidarity, rare in the history of international relations. As Associate Professor Nguyen Viet Thao, Standing Vice Chairman of the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Association, affirmed: “This special relationship has always been steadfast and consistent, pure and selfless in pursuit of a noble ideal.”

As the 21st century unfolds, the friendship between Vietnam and Cuba remains unwavering, enduring for more than 65 years. From President Ho Chi Minh to Leader Fidel Castro, and from the earliest visits to today’s high-level talks, this relationship has been consistently driven by trust, steadfast loyalty, and a profound sense of historical responsibility.

In 2018, the Vietnam–Cuba Trade Agreement opened new avenues for economic cooperation. In 2024, the state visit of Vietnam’s Party General Secretary and State President To Lam to Cuba reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening their special political relationship and expanding strategic cooperation. Today, Vietnam is Cuba’s second-largest trading partner in Asia and its largest regional investor, with seven projects in the Mariel Special Development Zone. Cooperation spans sectors from agriculture, energy, and biotechnology to industry and trade.

DONG NAI – A NEW LINK IN THE JOURNEY OF FRIENDSHIP

The Vietnam-Cuba friendship extends beyond the national level, reaching localities such as Dong Nai and forming tangible bridges of cooperation.

In October 2023, a delegation from Dong Nai province visited Pinar del Río in Cuba, laying the groundwork for bilateral cooperation. In October 2024, the two localities signed an agreement to collaborate across multiple sectors, including economics, social affairs, healthcare, education, agriculture, and people-to-people exchanges.

From April 1 to 5, 2025, Dong Nai sent another working delegation to Cuba, providing USD 100,000 to support the implementation of the Urban Risk Resilience Enhancement Project in Pinar del Río.

Huynh Thi Be Nam, Director of the Dong Nai Department of Foreign Affairs, emphasized: “For Dong Nai, Cuba is not only a friend in our historical memory but also a partner alongside us on the path of development today and in the future. We believe that the greatest value lies not in numbers, but in the genuine bond between our two peoples.”

Cuba has always been a special friend of Vietnam and of Dong Nai, not only in historical memory but also throughout the province’s ongoing development. Cooperation has focused on concrete projects that bring real benefits to the community. Dong Nai will maintain a proactive, long-term partnership with Cuba, ensuring that the friendship between the two peoples is reflected in practical outcomes. With trust and shared responsibility as guiding principles, even the greatest distances can be bridged.

Dong Nai province currently hosts nine active bilateral friendship associations and one multilateral friendship association, and is working to establish a Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Association, further strengthening the people-to-people ties between the two nations.

The Vietnam-Cuba relationship is not only rooted in history but is also being shaped today by innovation and a shared vision for development. While Vietnam pursues green industry, advanced logistics, a circular economy, and digital transformation, Cuba on the other side of the hemisphere remains committed to reform, improving productivity, ensuring food security, and promoting biotechnology and renewable energy.

The ideals of independence, freedom, and self-reliance have become a bridge connecting the two peoples. Vietnamese intelligence and determination meet the optimistic Caribbean spirit of Cuba. The steadfast will of the Vietnamese blends with the Cubans’ zest for life, giving rise to new forms of cooperation that are gradually taking shape.

Ariadne Feo Labrada, Consul General of Cuba in Ho Chi Minh City, remarked with deep emotion: “The bond between our peoples is built on pure values friendship, compassion, and solidarity. Despite the geographical distance, our two nations share a common history of fighting for sovereignty and striving for comprehensive social justice.”

Referring to Dong Nai province, she expressed her deep hopes: “I wish for the people of Vietnam, particularly in the cherished province of Dong Nai and across the southern regions, to uphold the unity and resilient spirit that define the Vietnamese nation. This enduring spirit provides the foundation for nurturing and preserving the friendship between Cuba and Vietnam, a legacy planted by our historic leaders. By passing it on to future generations, the bonds between our peoples can become ever stronger, more resilient, and stand the test of time.”

While 65 years may seem brief in the scope of world history, it represents a journey across generations. Despite war, embargoes, and global challenges, Vietnam and Cuba have consistently valued what is most important: trust and solidarity. Built on the firm foundations established by historic leaders and upheld by the responsibilities of today’s generations, the relationship between Vietnam and Cuba as well as that between Dong Nai and Pinar del Río stands as a vivid symbol of international solidarity, promoting the well-being, peace, and prosperity of the peoples of both nations.

The Vietnam-Cuba relationship is not merely a chapter in diplomatic history; it is a heroic tale of steadfast friendship, shared humanistic values, and a common faith in the ideals of independence, freedom, and development.

As a key bridge of friendship in southern Vietnam, Dong Nai honors this enduring bond with wholehearted commitment. The province’s younger generation is determined to nurture the Vietnam-Cuba relationship with care, intelligence, and a sense of responsibility, ensuring that the bond between the two peoples remains strong and continues to flourish for generations.

By Hien Vuong – Translated by Tam Binh, Thu Ha