As part of his official visit to Vietnam and co-chairmanship of the 2nd session of the Vietnam–Cuba Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Committee, on the morning of October 3, 2025, H.E. Esteban Lazo Hernandez, President of the National Assembly of People's Power and President of the Council of State of the Republic of Cuba, together with a high-ranking delegation from Cuba, visited and worked with Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education (HCMUTE).

President of the Cuban National Assembly engaging with HCMUTE students

The Cuban delegation included H.E. Esteban Lazo Hernandez – President of the National Assembly of People's Power and President of the Council of State of Cuba; H.E. Homero Acosta Alvarez – Secretary General of the National Assembly and the Council of State of Cuba; H.E. Rogelio Polanco Fuentes – Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Cuba to Vietnam; and other distinguished members of the delegation.

Representing the Socialist Republic of Vietnam were H.E. Nguyen Van Loi – Member of the Party Central Committee, Head of the 15th National Assembly Delegation of Ho Chi Minh City, Member of the National Assembly’s Committee on People’s Petitions and Supervision; H.E. Vu Hai Ha – Member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the National Assembly, and Chairman of the Vietnam–Cuba Parliamentary Friendship Group; along with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ho Chi Minh City Department of External Relations.

From HCMUTE, the delegation was warmly welcomed by Dr. Truong Thi Hien – Secretary of the Party Committee, Chairwoman of the University Council; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Hieu Giang – Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, HCMUTE president; together with key administrators, faculty members, and students.

HCMUTE presenting gifts to the President of the Cuban National Assembly and the delegation

In his welcome remarks, H.E. Nguyen Van Loi expressed his hope that this meeting would deepen the students’ understanding of the pure and enduring Vietnam–Cuba solidarity, inspiring them to study, research, and innovate for the development of the nation and the strengthening of friendship between the two peoples. He also commended the participation of AgriFood – a company founded by HCMUTE alumni that is now planning to invest in Cuba in the fields of agriculture and food technology. This, he emphasized, is a vivid example of meaningful and practical cooperation, where the knowledge and dedication of young Vietnamese professionals contribute directly to Cuba’s development.

H.E. Nguyen Van Loi also praised HCMUTE’s innovative research, particularly the development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for agricultural fertilization. He noted that such projects not only demonstrate the application of high technology in modern agriculture but also embody the creativity and dedication of Vietnam’s young intellectual generation. He expressed his belief that these concrete and practical models could pave the way for future research collaboration and technology transfer in smart agriculture, bringing tangible benefits to both Vietnamese and Cuban people.

H.E. Nguyen Van Loi delivering remarks at the program

H.E. Homero Acosta Alvarez, Secretary General of the National Assembly and the Council of State of Cuba, remarked that President Esteban Lazo Hernandez had a meaningful exchange with HCMUTE students earlier that day, through which he gained a deeper appreciation for the heroic history and close bond between the two nations. He reaffirmed that the special Vietnam–Cuba relationship remains a symbol of pure international solidarity, recalling the famous words of Cuban leader Fidel Castro: “For Vietnam, Cuba is willing to shed its own blood.” Witnessing Vietnam’s tremendous achievements today, the Cuban delegation felt joy as if celebrating their own nation’s success.

He also expressed sincere gratitude to HCMUTE for its warm welcome and thoughtful arrangements, emphasizing that the university is a vivid example of Vietnam’s dynamic development and innovation, and a cradle for nurturing the country’s young generation – the future leaders of the nation.

H.E. Homero Acosta Alvarez delivering remarks at the program

Dr. Truong Thi Hien, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairwoman of the University Council, expressed HCMUTE’s readiness to:

• Establish and promote bilateral academic cooperation programs, including joint undergraduate and postgraduate training in mutually interested fields.
• Organize student, faculty, and researcher exchange programs; facilitate academic exchange semesters, research internships, and short-term courses.
• Co-develop research projects and technology transfer initiatives in renewable energy, hydrogen, telecommunications, food technology, smart agriculture, and industrial digitalization.
• Create joint academic forums, international conferences, and technology incubation–entrepreneurship programs for youth from both countries.

She also expressed her hope for valuable support and experience-sharing from Cuban universities, research institutes, and experts in developing HCMUTE’s future programs in medical engineering and related technologies. Recognizing Cuba’s renowned strengths in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology, Dr. Hien emphasized that with 65 years of enduring friendship and a shared vision for cooperation and development, the relationship between HCMUTE and Cuban educational–research institutions will continue to grow stronger, more practical, and more effective.

Dr. Truong Thi Hien delivering remarks at the program

In the coming period, HCMUTE will continue to strengthen its connection with the business community, particularly with enterprises led by its alumni, to jointly organize meaningful cooperation programs that support and accompany Cuba. These initiatives will not only demonstrate social responsibility but also enhance cultural exchange, knowledge sharing, and sustainable value-building between both sides.

President of the Cuban National Assembly visiting HCMUTE’s high-tech agricultural innovation exhibits developed by lecturers and students

The visit and working session of H.E. Esteban Lazo Hernandez, President of the National Assembly of People's Power and President of the Council of State of the Republic of Cuba, and the high-ranking Cuban delegation at HCMUTE was not only a significant political and diplomatic event but also opened up new prospects for practical cooperation in education, research, and technology transfer. It marked an important milestone in further deepening the traditional friendship and comprehensive partnership between Vietnam and Cuba while reaffirming HCMUTE’s pioneering role in knowledge exchange, youth development, and contribution to the sustainable growth of both nations.