Vientiane, July 25, 2025. Cuba's First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs (MINREX), Gerardo Peñalver, today expressed the strong bonds of solidarity that unite his country and Laos, two nations that, he said, share a very close relationship.
This unwavering solidarity dates back to the early 1970s, when our doctors arrived at the Viengsay caves to care for the Laotian people. It is also reflected in Laos' unwavering support for Cuba in its condemnation of the United States' economic, financial, and commercial bloc, he emphasized.
In statements to major national media outlets at the conclusion of the Second Round of Inter-Ministry Political Consultations, Peñalver specifically referred to collaboration in the health sector, including the graduation of young Laotian doctors on the island, as well as in other specialties.
We want to expand cooperation in the economic and trade spheres, especially in the agri-food sector, as Laos has extensive experience in rice production that we could leverage to improve our capabilities in this crop, he noted. The Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister also emphasized that there is also potential to expand collaboration in the biopharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, in which Cuba has demonstrated notable achievements.
Regarding the Second Round of Inter-Ministry Political Consultations, he commented that it served to strengthen cooperation and dialogue between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of both countries, review the bilateral agenda and cooperation in international organizations, as well as the economic and trade agenda.
He reiterated that the occasion was also opportune to express his gratitude for the Laotian government's consistent stance in supporting the fight against the United States' economic, financial, and commercial blockade, and for the demand to remove Cuba from the alleged and spurious list of states that sponsor terrorism.
Peñalver also referred to the historical relationship between the two leaders of Laos and Cuba, President Kaysone Phomvihane and Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro, whose memory takes on special relevance on the occasion of the 105th and 100th anniversaries of his birth in December 2025 and August 2026, respectively.
In this regard, he recalled his previous stay in this capital, in 2022, when he had the opportunity to visit the Kaysone Phomvihane Museum, which allowed him to learn more about his political and revolutionary career and his leadership of the Lao people toward independence and sovereignty.
He also highlighted that next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the visit of the historic Laotian leader to Cuba, an event that marked a symbolic and practical milestone in the fraternity between the two countries. During this visit, he was awarded the José Martí Order, the highest recognition of the Cuban State.
The First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos made a brief working visit here today, during which he met with leaders of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and the National Assembly (Parliament).
Embassy of Cuba / Prensa Latina