Raul Holds Official Talks with President of Vietnam

During the fraternal meeting, the two heads of state verified the excellent state of bilateral relations and the atmosphere of fraternity that has historically characterized the ties between the two nations; they reiterated their willingness to continue promoting political dialogue and boost the development of economic-commercial bonds. They also spoke about issues of common interest on the regional and international agendas.
 
At the end of the official talks and after the signing of two governmental agreements in the presence of their respective delegations, the Cuban President presented the Vietnamese head of state with the "José Martí" National Order, the highest award given by the Republic of Cuba.
 
The distinguished visitor was accompanied by PhamBinh Minh, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Dao Viet Trung, head of the President’s Office; Trinh Dinh Dung, Minister of Construction; Cao Duc Phat, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development; and Nguyen Van Binh, Governor of the State Bank, among other Vietnamese leaders.
   
Also present, representing Cuba, were Rodrigo Malmierca and Gustavo Rodriguez, ministers of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment and Agriculture, respectively; Ernesto Medina, minister-president of the Central Bank of Cuba; Marcelino Medina, Acting Foreign Minister, and other officials of the Cuban Foreign Ministry.(acn)