A series of commemorative events has been launched at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro (August 13, 1926–2026) and the 66th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Cuba (December 2, 1960–2026).
Co-organized by the Hồ Chí Minh Presidential Relic Site and the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in Vietnam, the initiative is titled President Hồ Chí Minh – Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro: An Enduring and Special Bond. The events aim to honor the lives, legacies, and profound contributions of both leaders to their respective nations' struggles for liberation, defense, and national development.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Vietnam's Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Hoàng Đạo Cương, underscored the strong affinity between Fidel Castro's revolutionary ideals and Hồ Chí Minh's legacy. He noted that Castro's enduring affection for Vietnam remains a lasting symbol of international solidarity and cultural diplomacy. The Deputy Minister also praised the relic site's efforts in expanding international cooperation and promoting Vietnam's cultural heritage abroad.
Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam, Rogelio Polanco Fuentes, described the commemorative series as a vivid testament to the special, long-standing friendship between the two nations. He expressed confidence that the program would inspire current and future generations of Cubans and Vietnamese to preserve and build upon the enduring bond forged by both leaders.
The commemorative program features four primary components: a photo exhibition displaying 100 rare archival photographs documenting the lives of both revolutionary leaders and key milestones in Vietnam–Cuba relations; a special exhibition titled President Hồ Chí Minh and Cuba, which showcases historic documents and artifacts highlighting his special affection for the island nation; a formal handover ceremony where the Embassy of Cuba donated two documentary films and archival photos to enrich the relic site's historical repository; and a publications launch introducing new print releases dedicated to the shared legacies and ideals of Hồ Chí Minh and Fidel Castro.