Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy General Director of the VietnamNews Agency (VNA) Dinh Dang Quang hosted a reception in Hanoi on April 11 forPresident of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with Peoples (ICAP) FernandoGonzalez Llort, who is in Vietnam from April 9-15.

Quang told the guest that the VNA chapter of the Vietnam –Cuba Friendship Association (VCFA) was founded in 2001 with 57 members,including VNA staff who studied and worked in Cuba or relatives of those whodid and are studying in the country.

He added that the VNA is Vietnam’s the only press agency toform the chapter, which is also considered one of the most effective ones.

According to him, the chapter has increased coverage of Cubaand bilateral ties, held photo exhibitions on bilateral friendship, Cuba andits country and people, joined celebrations of Cuba’s major festivals and theanniversary of Vietnam – Cuba diplomatic ties, contributing to strengtheningsolidarity with Cuban people.

The host said the chapter’s members are a pillar force toreinforce ties between the VNA and Cuba’s State-run news agency Prensa Latina,including compilation and publication of Vietnam Pictorial in Spanish languagein Cuba.

He hoped that the ICAP will continue working closely withVietnam’s agencies, including the VNA and its Vietnam-Cuba friendship chapter tofurther expand bilateral ties in promising fields.

Llort, for his part, said the ICAP is tasked with supportingforeign students in Cuba, including those from Vietnam.

The guest expressed his belief that the VNA and its Vietnam– Cuba friendship chapter will make active and effective contributions todeepening ties between Vietnam and Cuba, and between Vietnam and Latin Americancountries in general.

The ICAP has a network of chapters and partner groups across160 countries worldwide and backed Vietnam’s fight for independence in thepast.

Earlier, the Cuban delegation laid a wreath at the Monumentof José Marti, leader of Cuba’s independence movement.-VNA