The symbolic awarding ceremony of the Vietnamese Party, the State and the people to the Cuban Party, State and People

Minister Pham Hong Ha presented letters of General Secretary and State President Nguyen Phu Trong to Cuban senior leaders.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Pham Hong Ha said that the COVID-19 pandemic was complicated worldwide, requiring all countries to unite, coordinate and strengthen anti-epidemic measures, protecting people's health and ensuring the stability of the socio-economy. Leaders of the Party and State of Vietnam appreciated and thanked the timely support and assistance of the Party and State of Cuba for Vietnam in preventing and fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. The Party, the State and the people of Vietnam have decided to give some gifts in sharing the difficulties that the Cuban is facing in the near future. Vietnam is ready to support Cuba with a number of medical equipment for epidemic prevention and control.

Minister Pham Hong Ha presented the symbolic gift to Cuba.

Minister Pham Hong Ha expressed his pleasure at the effective medical cooperation between the two countries. The two countries are conducting online conferences with the participation of leaders of the Ministry of Health, a number of concerned ministries and branches, leading medical and pharmaceutical experts of the two countries to discuss on coping strategies with COVID-19, on the ability to support each other in pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, cooperation in research, production of vaccines and medicines for COVID-19 patients, as well as the long-term cooperation on health care in line with the needs and practical conditions of both parties. The Minister believes that Vietnam and Cuba will soon win the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to develop sustainably.

Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Lianys Torres Rivera thanked the Party, the State and the people of Vietnam for the gifts and highly appreciated great efforts of Vietnamese Government during the world crisis. Taking on the role of ASEAN Chairman, Vietnam has shared its resources and joined countries to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.

Representatives of the two countries Vietnam - Cuba took souvenir photos. 

Ambassador Lianys Torres Rivera referred to the initiatives of the Vietnam alumni group in Cuba who are retired but have also contributed a part of their savings to help the Cuban people. This is significant when the year 2020 marks the 60th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Cuba. The two sides have always supported each other in the most difficult circumstances.