Havana (VNA) – Cuban hero Fernando González Llort, President of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), has described the upcoming state visit to Cuba by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam as a milestone in the time-honoured relationship between the two countries.

Apart from holding political importance, the visit is expected to yield positive results in economic and foreign relations, with numerous cooperation agreements and a high level of consensus in the struggle for world peace, he said in an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA).

Cuba is one of the first overseas destinations for Lam since he assumed his new responsibilities, the ICAP President said, expressing his belief that the visit reflects the solidarity of the Vietnamese people with Cuba.

Noting his admiration for Vietnam’s economic development, Fernando González Llort commended the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam in this regard.

Vietnam is the only country in the world with a franchise business in Cuba's Mariel Special Development Zone. This is a testament to the mutual trust as well as the desire and determination of Vietnam to contribute to Cuba's development, he said.

He said he believes that such high-level visits will help the two countries find ways and mechanisms for cooperation in the current complex global context, and opening up space for Vietnam to have greater presence in Cuba's efforts to move forward.

The visit is also hoped to strengthen the bilateral economic, investment, and trade relations, and advance the political ties to a new height, he continued.

Fernando González Llort held that as both countries have strengths in tourism, they should share experience in this sector. Besides, Cuba boasts advantages in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare services, which are also the areas with potential for cooperation.

Emphasising sentiments between Vietnamese and Cuban people, he said the two sides should share the responsibility for educating young generations about the traditional friendship amidst global challenges.

Vietnam-Cuba ties are a symbol of friendship, brotherhood, and mutual solidarity and support. These are important values for both countriꦯes, he believed./.