- Vietnam and Cuba agree to boost ties in agriculture, energy, and biotech.
- Leaders pledge joint ventures for drug production and tech transfer.
- Vietnam raises VND385 billion in solidarity campaign for Cuba.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam stated that Vietnam and Cuba have pledged to advance economic, trade and investment linkages, particularly in agriculture, solar energy and biotechnology-pharmaceuticals efforts. These commitments were taken during conversations in Hanoi between Cuban First Secretary and President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez and Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam. Díaz-Canel, with his wife and a delegation of senior officials, is on a state visit to Vietnam to attend Vietnam's 80th National Day celebrations on September 2.
General Secretary Lam welcomed the delegation and referred to the inter-state solidarity between the nations as the best example of international relations. After expressing willingness for the countries to work together in the future, both leaders committed to enhancing political trust through high-level dialogues and expanding collaboration in key sectors.
They pledged to enhance economic relations by encouraging joint ventures in production of drugs, technology transfers from Cuba into the Cuban technology sectors, and developing advanced medical research in Vietnam to promote public health.
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The accord spans defense, security, justice, science and technology, construction, culture, sports, and person to person relations. In exchange, Díaz-Canel promised to facilitate Vietnamese investments in rice and agriculture to improve food security in Cuba. Lam reiterated Vietnam's steadfast support for Cuba, citing a recent fundraising drive for one of their most recent '65 years of Vietnam - Cuba solidarity' which saw participation from almost two million people and raised VND385 billion (US$15.17 million). Díaz-Canel express thanks to Vietnam, while also reflecting on Vietnam's 80 year commitment to moving forward in a positive way.
The countries also pledged coordination at global forums to promote their national interest and peace. Lam also advocated for an end to the unilateral sanctions placed against Cuba. After the talks, the leaders witnessed the initial transfer of solidarity funds and the signing of agreements in the fields of economy, agriculture, health, and science-technology.