During the ceremony on the afternoon of September 26 (local time), Cuban First Secretary and President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez greeted General Secretary and President To Lam at the main hall of the Palace of the Revolution while the national anthems of both countries played with the two leaders inspecting the honor guard and saluting the national flags of Vietnam and Cuba.

The leaders of Vietnam and Cuba inspect the honor guard. Source: VNA

After the formalities, the leaders of Vietnam and Cuba introduced the members of their respective delegations present at the ceremony.

The two leaders then entered into talks to discuss and assess the outcomes of Vietnam-Cuba cooperation in recent years and to outline future directions to enhance and improve the effectiveness of collaboration across various sectors. Before this, General Secretary and President To Lam, along with his spouse, laid a wreath at the Jose Marti Memorial, honoring Cuba’s national hero.

Vietnam and Cuba established diplomatic relations on December 2, 1960. Cuba provided significant support to Vietnam during the war in the 1960s and 1970s.

Cuban First Secretary and President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez introduces Government senior officials to Party Chief and State President To Lam.

Both countries cooperate in areas such as rice supply, food production development, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals. Vietnam is Cuba's second-largest Asian trade partner and the largest Asian investor in Cuba.

This marks General Secretary and President To Lam's first visit to Cuba in his new role, as the two nations prepare to celebrate the 65th anniversary of their diplomatic ties (1960-2025).