Havana, Cuba – Le Thanh Tung, the outgoing Vietnamese Ambassador to Cuba, has been awarded the Cuban friendship medal in recognition of his significant contributions to fostering the long-standing and robust relationship between Vietnam and Cuba. The award ceremony took place in Havana on November 24, marking a significant moment in the ambassador’s diplomatic tenure.

According to Vietnam News Agency, who spoke at the medal presentation ceremony, the bilateral relations between Vietnam and Cuba have seen remarkable growth during Ambassador Tung’s term, which lasted over three years and four months. Rodríguez highlighted achievements in various sectors such as agriculture, trade, biotechnology, construction, education, finance, and tourism, which have flourished under Tung’s diplomatic guidance.

Rodríguez specifically noted Tung’s instrumental role in reinforcing mutual trust and friendship between the governments and people of the two nations. She emphasized his effective contributions, particularly in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and in enhancing the presence of Vietnamese businesses in Cuba. Vietnam is currently the largest Asia-Pacific investor in the Caribbean Island nation.

In his response, Ambassador Tung expressed his deep gratitude for the unwavering support from the Cuban Party, State, and people towards Vietnam’s liberation and nation-building efforts, as well as for the personal growth he experienced during his tenure. Honored by the prestigious award from the Cuban State, Tung pledged to continue his efforts in nurturing and promoting the special relationship between the two countries, even after the conclusion of his diplomatic mission.

The ceremony comes shortly after an earlier meeting on November 18, where Tung was received by Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee and President of Cuba, before concluding his diplomatic mission.