Kazan (VNA) – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on October 24 said Vietnam and Cuba should continue working closely together to foster their multi-faceted cooperation, at a reception for Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla on the sidelines of the expanded BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia.

The two sides expressed their delight at the Vietnam-Cuba special traditional relationship and comprehensive cooperation that have been continuously consolidated, promoted, and deepened, for tangible benefits of their people.

They agreed to boost cooperation across all spheres and soon establish an intergovernmental committee mechanism to discuss cooperation issues. They also emphasised the need to step up theory exchanges between the two Parties on socialism building and the path to socialism.

PM Chinh stressed Vietnam's deep concern over the difficulties and challenges faced by the Cuban Government and people in the context of the widespread power outages caused by recent storms.

The Vietnamese Government and people stand ready to provide support and hope that Cuba will soon resolve these issues and restore normal living conditions for its people, he said.

The PM said the Vietnamese Party, State, Government, National Assembly, and people always bear in mind Cuba's wholehearted support for Vietnam's past struggle for national liberation, and treasure and preserve the traditional solidarity and comprehensive cooperation with the Caribbean nation, and commit to deepening the relationship.

Vietnam backs Cuban people's just revolutionary cause, he said, reiterating his country’s consistent stance against the unilateral embargo measures imposed on Cuba.

The PM suggested the two sides quickly implement the major outcomes of Party General Secretary To Lam’s Cuba visit in September.

For his part, Bruno Rodriguez expressed his sincere thanks to the Vietnamese Government and people for their valuable support to Cuba, helping the country overcome difficulties during its socio-economic development due to blockade and embargo.

He also highlighted the significance and success of Party General Secretary Lam’s September visit, which laid an important foundation for the future development of the bilateral ties.

The official pledged to instruct the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs to work more closely with Vietnam to materialise the visit’s results, particularly in enhancing trade and investment cooperation, with a focus on agriculture and food security./.