Double heart at the highest level 

Photo: Dunia Álvarez

The José Martí Order now shines on the chest of Vietnam's President To Lam, to whom the insignia, instituted in 1972 to be awarded to Cuban citizens, foreigners and heads of state or government for great deeds in favor of peace and humanity, and for valuable and extraordinary contributions in education, culture, science and sports, as well as for outstanding merits in creative work, was imposed on Thursday."Vietnam and Cuba, although far apart in geography, are very close as brothers of the same family," the Vietnamese President said, thanking the Cuban Party, State and people for the award.To Lam stressed the common interest in advancing towards socialism, and conveyed support and solidarity to the struggle of the Cuban people against the blockade, "the brotherly people of Cuba will overcome all its challenges," he said.The also General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, was received in an official ceremony by the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, in which high authorities of both countries participated.

Photo: Dunia Álvarez

As an endearing sign of the historic brotherhood between the two nations and the commitment to mutual development, a Joint Declaration was adopted during the day, aimed at strengthening solidarity, special friendship and comprehensive cooperation in the new period, and the donation of 10,000 tons of rice from the Party, the State and the people of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to the people of Cuba was announced.Seven bilateral instruments were also signed in areas of mutual interest such as finance, foreign relations, agriculture, among others.The signing of a Road Map between the Department of International Relations of the Central Committee of the Party and the Foreign Relations Commission of the Central Committee of the Vietnamese Party showed the will to implement the consensus reached between the top leaders of Cuba and Vietnam, as well as the main actions and activities between both Communist Parties.In addition, a bridge of collaboration in the field of health and academic services was established through a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba and the People's Committee of Quang Tri province.Another instrument signed, on agriculture, will help create conditions for Vietnamese companies to invest in rice production in Cuba, and encourage Cuban companies, state farms and farmers to change efficient organizational methods, in order to improve labor productivity and increase yields.On the other hand, four agreements were signed with the objective of promoting the exchange of information and experiences on the construction of socialism in both countries, as well as the development of economic-commercial and banking-financial cooperation.President Diaz-Canel characterized his counterpart as a close and outstanding friend, as a promoter of cooperation and brotherhood relations between the two countries: "Whenever we meet with our Vietnamese brothers, we are always reminded of the historic relations between Cuba and Vietnam," said the Cuban dignitary in the Red Room of the Palace of the Revolution, where the official talks took place."Have confidence that Cuba will never bend; it will never surrender," ratified Díaz-Canel; and assured that "a new era in mutual closeness is opening: there is already a milestone with this visit," he affirmed.The General Secretary of the Communist Party and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam declared himself "very happy to visit again the beautiful and heroic people of Cuba", and thanked for "the warm and comradely reception."Yesterday, the Vietnamese leader paid tribute to Cuba's Apostle with a floral offering. He was accompanied by the member of the Political Bureau of the Party and Secretary of Organization of the Central Committee, Roberto Morales Ojeda.

Photo: Alejandro Azcuy