Symbolic delivery of Vietnamese donations to Cuba.Photo: Ariel Cecilio LemusSolidarity and cooperation shared by the peoples and governments of Vietnam and Cuba was the focus of an appreciation event in Havana, where gratitude was expressed for donations received to support the COVID-19 battle here.

At the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Investment (Mincex), First Deputy Minister Ana Teresita González Fraga thanked Vietnam for sending protective wear, materials and inputs for health care and hygiene, as well as food, among other resources.

“The positive results Vietnam and Cuba have attained in confronting the pandemic, and the practice of solidarity and international cooperation that characterizes our peoples, have demonstrated the justice of socialism and its viability in preserving the health, life and welfare of majorities,” stated González, with Army Corps General Ramón Espinosa Martín, deputy minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR); Deborah Rivas, Mincex deputy minister; and other officials from the FAR and the Ministry of Health in attendance.

Do Dinh Truong, chargé d’affaires and minister counselor at the Vietnamese embassy in Havana, said he was honored to be thanked by the sister country, and conveyed his government’s gratitude for the valuable medications Cuba has provided Vietnam, including Interferon Alpha 2b.

He also highlighted the work of Cuban specialists who have exchanged experiences with Vietnamese colleagues regarding control and treatment of the SARS-COV-2 virus; the production of vaccines; as well as medical and pharmaceutical research: “This is a great expression of the special fraternal friendship, comprehensive cooperation and mutual trust our two countries and peoples share,” the Vietnamese diplomat stated.