(VNF) - A Vietnam-Cuba friendship exchange was held in the city of Bac Ninh on August 10^th to mark the 64^th anniversary of the attack on Moncada Barracks (July 26^th, 1953-2017) that culminated in the victory of Cuban armed forces against the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista.

Speaking at the Vietnam-Cuba friendship exchange, which was jointly organised by the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Association and the province, Nguyen Van Phong, Vice Chairman of Provincial People's Committee described the 1953 attack as a landmark that mirrored the undaunted spirit of Cuban people under the leadership of President Fidel Castro, and provided a premise for Cuba’s cause of liberation, unification and construction.

Nguyen Van Phong, Vice Chairman of Bac Ninh province People's Committee speaking at the Vietnam-Cuba friendship exchange.

He recalled the two countries’ traditional friendship that had been nurtured by late President Ho Chi Minh and leader Fidel Castro, stressing that Vietnamese people, including those in Bac Ninh, always remember and are grateful for Cuba’s valuable support for Vietnam’s past struggle for national liberation as well as its current national construction and defence.

“Despite the long distance, the warm sentiments and faithful friendship that Fidel Castro given to Vietnam will stay forever in the hearts of generations of Vietnamese people. For them, Fidel Castro is always a great friend,” he said.

The Bac Ninh leader also reiterated the famous saying of late Cuban leader Fidel Castro, “For Vietnam, Cuba is willing to shed blood,” while highlighting that from whole-hearted sentiments in tough time in the past, the Parties, States and people of the two countries must foster their solidarity, fighting for justice.

On behalf of International Community, Cuban Ambassador Hermini López Diaz appreciates the sincere hospitality, warm welcome of the leaders and people of Bac Ninh province to give the chance to explore the age-old values of the country and people of Vietnam.

He also extends sincere thanks to the leadership of Bac Ninh Provincial People’s Committee, Bac Ninh Union of Friendship Organization and provincial agencies for their cooperation to organize the event.

Cuban Ambassador Hermini López Diaz expressed his pleasure to mark the anniversary in Bac Ninh, saying the celebration is of significance.

This year’s friendship exchange choses Bac Ninh province for its destination, a land well-known for Quan Ho folk songs, one of the world intangible cultural heritages recognized by UNESCO. Bac Ninh is also famous for other historical and cultural areas such as Phat Tich Pagoda, the Ly Dynasty Temple. Besides, Bac Ninh is a province of rapid development in term of economy, trade, tourism and service. The province has effectively attracted foreign investment and cooperation.

Ambassador said the assault was a milestone in the Cuban armed revolution, which enabled his country to reach various socio-economic achievements. The armed uprising led to the great victory on January 1^st, 1959, marking an important turning-point in the Cuban history as it ushered in a new development era for the island country.

Over the half century of national construction and development, with the Moncada everlasting spirit and the lofty international spirit as well as under the leadership of the Cuban Communist Party presided by Fidel Castro, Cuban people have reaped great achievements in many fields, showing their resilience in the revolutionary cause, he said.

He reminisced about the solidarity between Vietnamese and Cuban people during wartime and highlighted the two countries’ cooperation in culture, economy and social affairs with multiple economic contracts and annual cultural exchanges.

“Fidel was the first and only foreign leader to visit the southern liberation area of Vietnam when the U.S. aggression war was ongoing, bringing a great encouragement to Vietnamese soldiers and people. And 2018 will mark the 45^th anniversary of the his historic visit to Vietnam amidst the fiercest time of the war in September 1973. Next year will be also 15 years since last visit of Fidel to Vietnam - a country he always loved - in which he met General Vo Nguyen Giap at his home in Hanoi in 2003,” he stressed.

Secretary of Provincial Party Committee Nguyen Nhan Chien and Chairman of Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Tu Quynh present a souvenir to Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam, Herminio Lopez Diaz and Nguyen Duy Cuong, Standing Vice Chairman of the Vietnam- Cuba Friendship Association.

He said he hope that the fraternal solidarity between the two countries will last forever, noting that Cuban people always believe in President Ho Chi Minh’s saying “Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom.”

The Ambassador believes the updating Cuban economic model will create many promising investment opportunities for the development of economic relations, trade and cooperation between the two countries in the near future.

Earlier the same day, the participants visited Do Temple (Den Do) in Dinh Bang village and offered incense to 8 kings of Ly Dynasty.

The delegation also paid respect to late General Secretary Nguyen Van Cu at his memorial house in Tu Son town’s Phu Khe commune. In here, they heard stories about his life and career - the youngest general secretary to date in Vietnam./.

The delegation visits Do Temple.

Before taking part in the tour in the memorial house, delegates offered incense in front of a statue of Nguyen Van Cu.

Vietnamese and Cuban delegates dance together at the friendship exchange.

Minh Chau