Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel visited the Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City on Saturday morning, as part of his official visit to Vietnam from November 8 to 10.

Paying a visit to the historic site was the first activity of President Díaz-Canel’s agenda in the southern Vietnamese metropolis on Saturday.

The Cuban leader and the First Lady saw a documentary on the tunnels at the site.

They were also invited to have a taste of Cu Chi’s signature dishes, cassava and rice balls, and briefed on Vietnamese soldiers and their weapons during the American war in Vietnam.

The president and his spouse wear traditional hats and scarves during their visit.

Located about 60km from downtown Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels were previously built by Vietnamese soldiers as shelter from U.S. troops during the war in Vietnam.

The tunnel complex also served as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon storage, and living quarters.

President Miguel Díaz-Canel walks down a tunnel at the historic site.

After leaving Cu Chi, the Cuban president arrived at the Saigon Hi-Tech Park in District 9.

Ho Chi Minh City is willing to share its experience in the field to contribute to Cuba’s development, said Le Hoai Quoc, head of the hi-tech park’s management board.

The Cuban leader tours a medical facility inside the tunnels.

A meeting was convened between President Díaz-Canel and Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan at the Reunification Palace on the evening of the same day.

During the gathering, Secretary Nhan stated that the southern city is willing to become an important link in pilot development models between the two countries.

He hoped that Cuba and Ho Chi Minh City would build a strong and sustainable relationship to boost bilateral trade and investment.

The president and his spouse take a tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels.

They listen to a presentation about the tunnels.

The president and his spouse taste the signature dishes at the site.

President Miguel Díaz-Canel shakes hands with Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan on November 10, 2018.

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