Laos was a firm friend in Cuba's fight against the U.S. blockade

Vientiane, Nov 2 (RHC) Laos is a consistent, responsible, and coherent friend in supporting Cuba in its struggle against the U.S. economic, financial and commercial blockade, Ambassador Enna Viant told Prensa Latina.

This support can be seen at all levels, it is unconditional and permanent, the diplomat stressed, recalling that during the 77th session of the UN General Assembly, Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith reiterated his country's unrestricted support for the Cuban cause.

Referring to the current state of relations between the two countries, Viant said that they are going through a very important moment of strengthening and expansion.

The ties of brotherhood between Laos and Cuba are at an excellent level, as evidenced by the exchanges of delegations and virtual meetings (during the years of the Covid-19 pandemic) that have taken place in the last four years, he said.

He mentioned as examples the visit to Laos in 2018, of President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, and last October of the Cuban head of government, Manuel Marrero Cruz, who was accompanied by other ministers.

On the occasion, he pointed out, four cooperation agreements were signed in the fields of health, agriculture, sports, and education; the latter being the only field in which collaboration is currently provided through a Spanish professor who teaches at the Lao National University.

The signing of these agreements ratified the will and interest of both governments to expand cooperation and bring it to the level that characterizes bilateral political ties, he said.

Viant also highlighted the role played in the expansion of relations between the two nations through the Laos-Cuba and Cuba-Laos Friendship Associations and pointed out that in the latter the director of the National Ballet Viengsay Valdés, who represents a very strong sentimental link, is vice-president.

Viengsay means "victory" and was the name used during the independence struggles of the Lao people by the national hero Kaysone Phomvihane, explained the Cuban ambassador and recalled that in 2024 both countries will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. (Source: PL)