Vietnam always is paying close attention to the situation in Cuba and believes that Cuba will overcome the challenges caused by COVID-19 and a U.S.-imposed trade embargo, Le Thi Thu Hang, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said on Friday.

A number of protests broke out in Cuba on July 11, but the situation has returned to stability, Hang noted.

Vietnam believes that Cuba will overcome its current socio-economic problems including the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequences of the financial and trade blockades and embargo enforced by the U.S., the diplomat continued.

Cuba will successfully implement policies to update its socio-economic model, and continue to promote the country's great achievements in education, healthcare, and science and technology. 

Vietnam always treasures the spirit of solidarity and the valuable support that Cuba has given to the country in the past years, Hang stressed, adding that the Southeast Asian nation will try its best to help Cuban people.

The spokesperson called on the U.S. to end its "hostile policy and unilateral economic and financial embargo against Cuba."

The embargo, which was first implemented 60 years ago, has been getting even more stringent in recent times, aggravating the socio-economic challenges in Cuba.

"The U.S. needs to take concrete steps in the direction of normalizing relations with Cuba, for the benefits of the two peoples, and for making contributions to peace, stability, and development in the region and the world," she said.

The situation in Cuba has captured international attention after protests erupted in Havana and other locations.

The reasons behind these demonstrations are believed to be the shortage of food and medicine alongside rising inflation.

The Prensa Latina news agency last week quoted President Diaz-Canel as saying that the main cause of the problems lies in the U.S. blockade imposed on Cuba’s economy, trade, and finance.

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