José Martí, born in January 28, 1853 in Havana, was a prominent thinker and cultural figure, and a unyielding revolutionary who made significant contributions to Cuba’s national independence in the late 19th century. He was the first Cuban to lay the foundation for the brotherhood between the people of Vietnam and Cuba.

Speaking at the event, VGCL Vice President Huynh Thanh Xuan said that Cuba was the first country in the Western Hemisphere to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam (December 2, 1960).

Rooted in the noble sentiments of hero José Martí, late Cuban President Fidel Castro, and late Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh, the 65-year steadfast friendship and enduring solidarity between the two countries have been tirelessly nurtured by the Party, State, and people of both nations. This strong bond has continuously been reinforced and flourished across all fields, serving the interests of both peoples and contributing to global peace and progress.

Xuan once again reaffirmed the consistent and unwavering stance of the VGCL in further strengthening and deepening the exemplary friendship, traditional solidarity, and loyal bond between the workers and trade unions of Vietnam and Cuba.

Isdalis Rodriguez Rodriguez, member of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee, Second Secretary of the CTC, assessed that the joint organisation of the commemoration event is an extremely meaningful activity to celebrate the "Vietnam - Cuba Friendship Year" and towards the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries./.