Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong left Hanoi on April 8 to start his official visits to Cuba and Brazil, at the invitation of Raul Castro Ruz, President of Cuba Council of State and Council of Ministers, and Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff.
The visit reaffirms Vietnam’s policy of deepening relations with its traditional friends, particularly the left wing movements in Latin America.
The traditional Vietnam-Cuba and Vietnam-Brazil relations have consistently developed in many fields. Latin American people have always expressed strong sentiment in favour of Vietnam and admiration for its past struggle for national independence and present Renewal (Doi Moi) process.
In the past, Cuba used to take the lead in the international movements supporting Vietnam in its struggle for national independence and freedom. Vietnamese people will never forget former President Fidel Castro saying, “For Vietnam, Cuba is ready to shed its blood,” which clearly demonstrates the comradeship and special solidarity between the two nations.
At present, Vietnam and Cuba cooperate very closely and support each other in international organizations and multilateral forums such as the UN and the Non-Aligned Movement. Vietnam always stands side by side with Cuban people and considers Cuba’s achievements its own success.
In 2011, two-way trade between Vietnam and Cuba hit US$274 million. Many projects on agriculture, oil and gas, telecommunications, tourism, and education-training have been effectively implemented in the Latin American country by Vietnam.
Regarding relations with Brazil, the two countries always share the same view on reforming the UN as well as other international issues. Brazil supported Vietnam’s bid to join the WTO and to become a non-permanent member of the UNSC for the 2008-2009 tenure.
Brazil has also committed to consider recognizing Vietnam’s mechanism of market economy.
Vietnam also supported Brazil in becoming a non-permanent member of the UNSC for the 2010-2011 tenure.
Both countries have signed important cooperation agreements including one between the two chambers of commerce and an MOU on political consultation between their foreign ministries.
Two-way trade between Vietnam and Brazil has always followed an upward trend, and is expected to reach US$1.4 billion in 2012. Vietnam’s main exports to Brazil are electronic and mechanical products, construction materials and seafood, while it imports flour, animal feed, paper and paper pulp.
Brazil recently removed Vietnam’s footwear from its anti-dumping list and approved a list of 74 Vietnamese businesses which are eligible to export seafood to the country.
The Party leader’s visit to Cuba and Brazil is aimed at lifting bilateral relations to a new height for mutual benefit.
It also demonstrates Vietnam’s open foreign policy of diversifying relations for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the world.
Party leader’s visit lifts relations with Latin America
Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong left Hanoi on April 8 to start his official visits to Cuba and Brazil.
Source: VOV
