Welcoming and meeting with the delegation were Hoang Van Nghiem, Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and head of the provincial delegation of National Assembly deputies; Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Dang Ngoc Hau; along with representatives of various provincial departments and sectors.

In an atmosphere filled with special solidarity and friendship, on behalf of the provincial leadership, Nghiem warmly welcomed the delegation from the Cuban Embassy to Son La province. He also briefed the delegation on the province’s recent outstanding achievements across various fields, particularly in diplomatic relations between Vietnam in general, and Son La province in particular, and Cuba.

He emphasised that the traditional friendship, solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Cuba, founded and nurtured by President Ho Chi Minh and President Fidel Castro, has become a model of international solidarity. This relationship is built on the shared foundation of both countries’ commitment to the socialist path, their struggles for national independence, and their common international ideals. The two nations have always supported each other both materially and spiritually. Despite the geographical distance, Vietnam and Cuba have continuously maintained and strengthened cooperation across multiple areas, especially in economic and trade relations, with increasing levels of collaboration.

For Son La province, over the years, the local government and people have always remembered, cherished, and preserved Cuba’s valuable affection and assistance toward the province’s development. Notably, the Moc Chau Dairy Farm was a precious gift that Cuba offered to Vietnam, including Son La, in the 1970s and 1980s, during a time when the province faced numerous hardships.

From the herd of high-quality dairy cows gifted by Cuba, along with the transfer of technology and training of human resources, Moc Chau has now become the “dairy capital” of northern Vietnam. Alongside the strong growth of Moc Chau Dairy Farm (now Moc Chau Milk Joint Stock Company), Son La province has continued to shift vigorously toward developing the dairy cattle industry with high-tech applications, forming a linked production–processing–consumption value chain.

Son La province hopes that in the coming time, the Cuban Embassy in Vietnam and Son La will develop concrete activities to further elevate the cooperative relationship between Cuba and Vietnam in general, and Son La province in particular, contributing to nurturing and strengthening the special friendship that has lasted for 65 years between the two countries.

Speaking at the meeting, Cuban Ambassador Rogelio Polanco Fuentes expressed his sincere gratitude for the warm and respectful welcome extended by Son La, and congratulated the province on its remarkable achievements in recent years.

He also stressed his deep appreciation for the profound friendship and meaningful support that Vietnam in general, and Son La province in particular, have extended to Cuba during difficult times.

The ambassador affirmed that, in his capacity, he will make every effort to preserve and further promote the cooperative relationship between the two countries, as well as to strengthen connections between Cuban localities and Son La, enhancing exchanges and cooperation in various fields, especially in economic development, high-tech agricultural production, education and training, health care, culture, and tourism.