Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz was hosted by Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh today in Hanoi. The Cuban guest is on the first official visit outside Latin America since he took office in 2019.

During his visit to Vietnam from September 28 to October 2, Manuel Marrero will hold talks with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, and Chairman of the National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue.

During the stay, Cruz will meet the Secretary of Ho Chi Minh City’s Party Committee and Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee and visit Saigon Hi-tech Park, FPT Corporation, and Cu Chi Tunnels.

The Cuban PM will be bestowed the Ho Chi Minh Order, the national distinction awarded to domestic and foreign people and organizations with exceptional merits in diplomacy, politics, economics, society, literature, the arts, science, technology, defense, security, and other domains. So far, about 50 individuals and organizations have been granted the order.

The visit is aimed to enhance the friendship and comprehensive relations between the two Parties, States, and people and seek measures for further cooperation in economics, trade, and investment.

On this occasion, the two countries are expected to sign a joint action plan to implement the bilateral agenda for 2023-2025, covering the collaboration in 10 sectors, including economics, trade, agriculture, industry, construction, transport, and science-technology.

Manuel Marrero was Cuba’s first prime minister since 1976, being named in 2019 for a 5-year term after the office was reinstated under the new constitution.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (L) and Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz in Hanoi on Sept 29. Photos: VGP, Baoquocte

The welcoming ceremony was held at the Presidential Palace, Hanoi.

Vietnam is Cruz's first overseas visit outside Latin America.

The two PMs join talks after the welcoming ceremony.

The Cuban delegation led by PM Cruz lays a wreath at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

The Cuban PM arrived at Noi Bai International Airport at Wednesday night [Sept 28].