On the morning of August 13, Quang Tri Provincial People's Committee coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in Vietnam to organize an activity to celebrate the 100th birthday of President Fidel Castro Ruz (August 13, 1926 - August 13, 2026).
Attending were Mr. Rogelio Polanco Fuentes - Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Cuba to Vietnam; Mr. Nguyen Hoang Long - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.
On the side of Quang Tri province, there were Mr. Nguyen Van Phuong - Member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee; Mr. Nguyen Dang Quang - Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Provincial People's Council; along with provincial leaders and representatives of departments, agencies, and sectors.
Speaking at the ceremony, Vice Chairman of Quang Tri Provincial People's Committee Le Duc Tien said that the anniversary is an occasion to commemorate and express gratitude to President Fidel Castro - Cuban revolutionary leader, a great friend, a loyal comrade of Vietnam; and at the same time review the special friendly relationship between the two countries.
According to Mr. Le Duc Tien, although Vietnam and Cuba are half a world apart, different in geography, language and historical conditions, the two nations meet in aspiration for independence, self-determination, resilience and international solidarity.
During the fierce years of Vietnam's resistance war against the US for national salvation, Cuba gave Vietnam special support. President Fidel Castro's saying: "For Vietnam, Cuba is ready to sacrifice its own blood" became a symbol of solidarity between the two nations.
In particular, September 15, 1973 became a milestone in the history of Vietnam - Cuba and Quang Tri relations. Just a few months after the Paris Agreement was signed, while the war was still going on, President Fidel Castro became the first and only foreign head of state to visit the liberated South Vietnam region in Quang Tri.
At Hill 241 Tan Lam, in the middle of the battlefield still with traces of bombs and bullets, President Fidel Castro raised the flag awarded by the Liberation Army soldiers and said: "Comrades, please bring this invincible flag to plant in Saigon".
Vice Chairman of Quang Tri Provincial People's Committee affirmed that the Party Committee, government and people of the province will continue to preserve and nurture the heritage built by President Ho Chi Minh and President Fidel Castro; coordinate with central agencies, the Cuban Embassy in Vietnam and Cuban partners to bring Vietnam - Cuba friendly relations to become increasingly deeper, more practical and effective.
Speaking at the anniversary ceremony, Ambassador Rogelio Polanco Fuentes expressed his gratitude for the feelings of the Vietnamese people through many generations for the life and career of President Fidel Castro.
The Ambassador emphasized that in difficult times, Vietnam and Cuba always stand shoulder to shoulder. Cuba continues to steadfastly pursue the path of national development, protecting independence, sovereignty and striving to improve the people's lives.
According to Ambassador Rogelio Polanco Fuentes, the achievements Vietnam has made in the renovation process are a source of encouragement and valuable reference experience for Cuba. The goal of bringing Vietnam into a new era of development, becoming a developed country with high incomes also creates motivation and confidence for the Cuban people.
Recalling President Fidel Castro's historic visit to Quang Tri in 1973, the Ambassador quoted the Cuban leader's words when commemorating Vietnamese people who sacrificed for independence and freedom and affirmed that those sacrifices contributed to creating an "indomitable and victorious" Vietnam.
The anniversary ceremony in Quang Tri continues to affirm the special significance of the land that once welcomed President Fidel Castro in the years of war, and at the same time contributes to preserving and transmitting Vietnam - Cuba friendship to today's and future generations.
