Hanoi cherishes and strives to elevate the friendship and cooperation between the capital and Havana to new heights.

Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Dinh Tien Dung and Secretary General of the Cuban Women’s Union Teresa Maria Amarelle Boue. Photos: Thanh Hai/The Hanoi Times

Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Dinh Tien Dung made the remarks today [May 16] during a meeting with Secretary General of the Federation of Cuban Women Teresa Maria Amarelle Boue.

The Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee, Dinh Tien Dung, expressed his great pleasure and a warm welcome to the high-level delegation of the Federation of Cuban Women and praised the delegation's visit to the capital, especially as it comes on the heels of the recent visit to Cuba by the Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly, Vuong Dinh Hue.

Dung stressed that the extraordinary bond between Vietnam and Cuba, cultivated by President Ho Chi Minh and leader Fidel Castro, is an invaluable asset that the Party, State and people of both countries are committed to preserving, protecting, nurturing, and passing on to future generations.

During the meeting, the Hanoi Party chief shared Hanoi's remarkable achievements in recent years. In 2022, Hanoi successfully pursued the "dual goals" of effectively controlling the Covid-19 pandemic and promoting socio-economic development.

The city achieved all 22 targets set, with five exceeding expectations. Notable accomplishments included a total budget revenue of VND332 trillion (US$14.1 billion), an 8.89% increase in the gross regional domestic product (GRDP), and a per capita GRDP of over VND141 million (US$6,000).

In the first four months of 2023, Hanoi's economy continued to thrive with a growth rate of 5.8%. The city saw a doubling of tourist arrivals, including a 10-fold increase in international visitors compared to the same period in 2022.

The city's budget revenue also grew significantly, reaching 54% of the estimate, an increase of 21.6% over the previous year.

Delegates at the meeting.

Dung stressed Hanoi's commitment to nurturing cooperative relations with various capitals and cities around the world. In particular, Hanoi attaches great importance to cultivating friendly and cooperative ties with Cuba, including Havana and other Cuban localities.

Highlighting the existing cooperation between Hanoi and Havana, Dung mentioned the cooperation memoranda signed by the two capitals in 2000 and 2005. Discussions are underway to sign new cooperation agreements focusing on healthcare, education, culture, and Party development.

"These agreements are expected to be finalized during the Havana delegation's visit to Hanoi in 2023," he said.

Expressing appreciation for the Cuban delegation's visit, Dung said Vietnam is currently implementing three national target programs: the construction of new rural areas, poverty alleviation, and investment in communes in ethnic minority areas.

These programs aim to improve the living standards and well-being of rural people, develop ecological agriculture and modern rural areas, and empower farmers.

Dung firmly believed that the delegation's visit and efforts would promote and deepen friendly cooperation between Vietnam and Cuba in the future.

At the meeting, Teresa Maria Amarelle Boué highlighted Cuba's strong interest in enhancing the role of women in all spheres of life.

She emphasized the great value placed on women's participation in government at all levels in Cuba, as evidenced by the fact that 55.74% of the deputies in the National Assembly of People's Power are women, and many of the leaders of the Provincial Assemblies of People's Power are also women.

Teresa Maria Amarelle Boué expressed her hope that during her stay in Vietnam, especially in Hanoi, there would be continued exchanges and favorable conditions for Cuba, especially the Cuban feminist movement, to learn from Vietnam's experience in development.

She added that this exchange aims to improve the work of her federation and contribute to socio-economic development.

She also expressed her gratitude for the timely and invaluable assistance that Vietnam, especially Hanoi, has provided to Cuba over the years.