The launching ceremony was chaired by the Viet Nam Red Cross Central Committee, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education and Training, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, the Viet Nam–Cuba Friendship Association, along with various news agencies, media outlets, and other relevant entities. This initiative is a highlight of the Viet Nam–Cuba Friendship Year 2025, commemorating the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations (December 2, 1960 – December 2, 2025).
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| Do Van Chien, Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Fatherland Front, Central organizations, Chairman of the Central Committee of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front and delegates pressed the button to launch the Program. (Photo: Viet Nam Fatherland Front) |
Attending the launching ceremony were Do Van Chien, Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Fatherland Front, Central organizations, and Chairman of the Central Committee of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front; Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Truong Thang, Member of the Party Central Committee and Deputy Minister of National Defense; Tran Thanh Lam, Deputy Head of the Party Central Committee's Propaganda and Education Commission; Dang Hoang Giang, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Dong Huy Cuong, Vice President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations; along with representatives of ministries, sectors, organizations, and central agencies; Cuban Ambassador to Viet Nam Rogelio Polanco Fuentescho; and diplomatic missions, international organizations, business representatives, and former experts and Vietnamese students who worked and studied in Cuba.
In his opening speech, Nguyen Hai Anh, Vice President, General Secretary, and Operations Manager of the Viet Nam Red Cross Society, stated that the program will last 65 days, from August 13 to October 16, 2025, with the goal of mobilizing at least VND 65 billion to support food, essential goods, medical supplies, and to implement sustainable humanitarian activities for the Cuban people.
“This is not only a humanitarian campaign but also a strong message to international friends and the Cuban people, that Viet Nam is always by Cuba’s side, just as Cuba has been, is, and will always be by Viet Nam’s side,” he emphasized.
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| Nguyen Hai Anh, Vice President, General Secretary, Executive Director of the Viet Nam Red Cross Society delivered the opening speech at the event. (Photo: Viet Nam Fatherland Front) |
The Central Executive Committee of the Viet Nam Red Cross Society calls for the active response from ministries, sectors, socio-political organizations, mass organizations, localities, agencies, units, and enterprises; all cadres, civil servants, public employees, officers, soldiers, workers, and students; compatriots in Viet Nam and abroad; as well as international organizations, diplomatic missions, the business community, and international friends in Viet Nam. It also urges press and media agencies to widely spread the message: Viet Nam - Cuba forever stand shoulder to shoulder in challenges, sharing the joys and sorrows in hardships, so that this sentiment touches and permeates the hearts of each person, becoming specific and practical actions.
The Central Executive Committee of the Viet Nam Red Cross Society also requests Red Cross Societies in provinces and cities to advise local Party committees and authorities to issue response plans; mobilize agencies, units, enterprises, schools, armed forces, and the public; set suitable goals and targets for mobilization; and implement synchronized forms of communication and mobilization to help fulfill and exceed the national campaign’s overall goals.
The Central Committee of the Viet Nam Red Cross Society affirms its commitment to transparency and public accountability in receiving support and pledges to fully and promptly transfer all contributions to the Cuban people in 2025.
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| Do Van Chien, Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Fatherland Front, Central organizations, Chairman of the Central Committee of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front, spoke at the event. (Photo: Viet Nam Fatherland Front) |
Speaking at the launching ceremony, Do Van Chien, Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Fatherland Front, Central organizations, Chairman of the Central Committee of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front, expressed deep emotion as he represented the leadership of the Party, State, and Fatherland Front at an event of profound political, social, and diplomatic significance, commemorating 65 years of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Cuba.
He affirmed that over the past 65 years, the bond between the two nations has stood as a shining symbol of pure, loyal, and resilient international solidarity. Despite geographical distance, the people of Viet Nam and Cuba have consistently stood side by side, supporting one another through both prosperous and challenging times.
Recalling the immortal words of Cuban leader Fidel Castro: “For Viet Nam, Cuba is willing to shed its onw blood”, Do Van Chien emphasized that this was not merely a promise, but a lively truth throughout Viet Nam’s journey of struggle for independence, and progress of national construction and defense. The Vietnamese people have always held deep gratitude for Cuba, offering unconditional care, solidarity, and support.
Given Cuba’s current challenges, stemming from geopolitical pressures, natural disasters, epidemics, and socio-economic difficulties, Do Van Chien stressed that launching a donation campaign carries profound humanitarian significance. It is a vivid testament to the enduring friendship between the two nations. More than just material aid, the program conveys a powerful message of international solidarity: “In any circumstance, the Vietnamese people always stand shoulder to shoulder with the Cuban people.”
Do Van Chien said that the Central Committee of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front has entrusted the Viet Nam Red Cross Society to take the lead in coordinating with socio-political organizations, unions, business communities, overseas Vietnamese and international friends to mobilize the strength of national solidarity, calling on people from all walks of life to respond with practical actions to support Cuba in overcoming current hardships, stabilizing livelihoods, and continuing its path of socialist development.
"The solidarity between Viet Nam and Cuba is a priceless asset shared by our two peoples. Today, we continue to write new chapters in that friendship through concrete actions, so that every Cuban citizen can feel, deep in their heart, that despite the vast geographical distance, Viet Nam remains steadfast, affectionate, and ready to share." he emphasized, expressing his hope that the program will serve as a meaningful educational initiative for younger generations, helping to instill and spread the noble values of international friendship and solidarity.
Source: Vietnamtimes
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