VNA 05/12/2009 - Senior diplomats of Vietnam and Cuba pointed to a large range of industries in which the two countries can boost cooperation for mutual development at a meeting in Hanoi on December 5.

Vietnamese permanent Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla cited agriculture, energy, processing industry and production of consumer goods, bio-technology, medical and pharmaceuticals, construction and telecommunication as potential fields for expanded cooperation.

The duo emphasised that “the two countries should speed up implementation of high-level agreements and accords of cooperation, especially in areas that the other has great potential, so as to boost cooperation in economy and trade as well as investment”.

Talks between the two diplomats were part of a current visit by Parrilla, who repeatedly confirmed Cuba’s unswerving policy towards relations with Vietnam during his meetings with Vietnamese leaders.

In his meeting with Communist Party of Vietnam General Secretary Nong Duc Manh, the Cuban top diplomat expressed thanks to Vietnam for its valuable assistance.

“Cuba is resolute to cultivate the traditional friendship with the Party, State and people of Vietnam,” he said.

He also reiterated Cuba’s determination to protect the revolutionary fruits as well as its policy to advance on the road towards socialism.

In return, the Cuban Foreign Minister received strong support from the host Party leader.

“Vietnamese Party and people, now as before, always stand by the Party and people of Cuba in their heroic struggle,” Manh said.

He said he believed that the Cuban people would certainly overcome all difficulties and challenges to win greater achievements in their revolutionary cause under the sound leadership of the Cuban Communist Party.

The same day, Parrilla was also received by State President Nguyen Minh Triet. During their meeting, President Triet described relations with the Cuban people as those of “best and exemplary friends and loyal comrades”.

“The solidarity between Vietnam and Cuba is a huge strength to lift the two peoples out of all difficulties and successfully build socialism in their respective countries”, said the State leader.

He expressed belief in the final victory of the just struggle by the Cuban people over the US embargo, thanks to strong support from progressive people the world over.

“Vietnam will make great efforts to help Cuba overcome difficulties,” he pledged.

For his part, the Cuban Foreign Minister said every Cuban citizen felt in his/her heart the solidarity from the Vietnamese and progressive people in the world.

He also emphasised the increasing confidence in the leadership of the party and state among the Cuban people.

“The Cuban Party and State would never make any mistake that might lead to the fall of the regime,” said the top diplomat./.