Party chief praises Vietnam-Cuba solidarity

Mr Trong made this affirmation at a meeting with Cuban and Vietnamese media at the José Martí International Airport on April 8 upon his arrival for an official visit, saying he was pleased to witness the changes in this heroic island nation.

The Party leader said his visit aims to demonstrate Vietnam’s great support for Cuba’s cause of national defence and socialist development path, under the sound leadership of the Communist Party of Cuba.

He announced that during his visit, the two sides will discuss boosting bilateral cooperation in order to meet the demands of development in their respective countries.

On the same day, Mr Trong paid a floral tribute to President Ho Chi Minh and national hero José Martí at their monuments in Havana, and visited the Ñico Lopez Higher Political School.

** On the occasion of General Secretary Trong’s visit, Juventud Rebelde, a Cuban Youth newspaper, ran an article highlighting Vietnam’s successful Renewal (Doi Moi) process, as well as the fruitful relations between Cuba and Vietnam.

The newspaper reviewed Vietnam’s achievements during its socio-economic development as well as its dynamic multilateral foreign policy over the past 25 years.

Vietnam has succeeded in reducing the poverty rate to 10.6 per cent and becoming one of the world’s leading rice and coffee exporters, the article said, adding that the Southeast Asian nation has also been recognized by the international community as an attractive investment destination.

The newspaper also underlined the special friendship and loyalty between the two countries, saying that they have always stood side by side with each other throughout their past struggles for national independence and ongoing construction and development.

It said it believes that the younger generations will uphold the tradition of their predecessors and foster the ties of friendship between both countries.