1. Cuban–Vietnam relations are the interstate and special relations between the Republic of Cuba and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The relations are based on trade, credits, and investments which have increased since the 1990s and on shared ideological beliefs – they are both socialist states. Diplomatic relations between the post-revolutionary Cuba and the Democratic Republic of Vietnam were established on December 12, 1960.
2. According to Rodrigo Malmierca Díaz, Cuba’s Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment, Cuba’s bilateral relations with Vietnam is committed to consolidate “the special relationship, loyal friendship, and comprehensive cooperation with Vietnam.” Díaz said the goal of both nations was to make economic cooperation on a par with their political relationship. Trịnh Đình Dũng, Head of the Vietnam–Cuba Cooperation Subcommittee, said Vietnam would do its best to promote bilateral cooperation “in economics, trade, culture, education, and science and technology.”
3. During his five-day visit to Cuba, Nguyễn Phú Trọng headed a delegation consisting of high-level officials. During his visit, Nguyễn Phú Trọng received the Order of José Martí, the highest distinction given by the Cuban Council of State. Before leaving, Nguyễn Phú Trọng said Vietnam would donate 5,000 tons of rice to Cuba. Afterward, Victor Gaute Lopez said Cuba and Vietnam would work side-by-side in their goal to construct a socialist society. Following Raúl Castro’s July 2012 visit, relations entered a new phase.
4. Vietnam is a political and economic ally of Cuba, and bilateral trade consists mostly of rice, textiles, footwear, computers, electronics, wood and coffee. Two-way trade was recorded at about $200 million US dollars per year. In November 2018, President of Cuba Miguel Díaz-Canel visited Vietnam and met Nguyễn Phú Trọng. Trade and financial agreements were signed with the intention of boosting bilateral exchange.
5. Under the rule of Raúl Castro, the Communist Party of Cuba has tried to update the Cuban socialist model by introducing private ownership and entrepreneurship. Nguyễn Phú Trọng visited Havana in 2012, while Raúl Castro visited Vietnam in July of the same year. In 2017, Esteban Lazo Hernández visited to discuss further strengthening economic cooperation. Marino Murillo, Vice President of Cuba, visited Vietnam in October 2012. He met with Vietnamese leaders to learn from the Vietnamese reform experience and the socialist-oriented market economy. He was interested in how to establish limited liability companies and to learn from Ho Chi Minh City’s experience in accelerating the equitisation of state-owned enterprises.