Vietnam and Cuba have committed themselves to trying their best to expand their partnership in various fields, including healthcare, biotechnology, oil and gas, construction, tourism, electronics, and telecommunications. The commitment was given at a meeting between visiting Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and his host, Miguel Diaz Canel Bermudez, First Vice President of the State Council and the Council of Ministers of Cuba, in Havana on Wednesday. PM Dung affirmed Vietnam is willing to assist Cuba in areas that suit both countries’ strengths and needs, noting that the intensification of their special partnership will help foster ties between Cuba and East Asia as well as those of Vietnam and Latin America. The two leaders discussed measures to promote the two countries’ bilateral relations, stressing the importance of mutual consultation and close coordination between the two parties, governments and peoples.

They also showed determination to effectively carry out the agreements reached at the 31st meeting of the Vietnam-Cuba Inter-Governmental Committee in Hanoi in September last year. The duo spoke highly of the recent signing of cooperation deals and memoranda of understanding between the two countries in various fields, which has helped perfect the legal framework for their bilateral comprehensive cooperation. In reply to the Cuban side’s request for assistance in agriculture, Prime Minister Dung asserted that Vietnam will continue helping Cuba in maize and soybean cultivation and aquaculture projects.

The Vietnamese government leader is scheduled to visit the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, and the Cuba-Vietnam Friendship Association on Thursday. He will also meet with the Cuban National Assembly President.