Vietnamese Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Dao Luong today highlighted in Hanoi the exceptional nature of the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, and his friendship with Vietnam.

The commemoration of his centenary is a special occasion to remember his leadership, Dao Luong added during the opening ceremony of the activity program "President Ho Chi Minh and Commander in Chief Fidel Castro: A Special Friendship."

The exhibition, featuring 100 photographs summarizing the work of both leaders and the special relations between Vietnam and Cuba, will remain open until the 14th at the Ho Chi Minh President Relic Site within the Presidential Palace.

The Vietnamese vice minister noted that the Relic Site, which safeguards documentation from Uncle Ho's final 15 years of life, contributes to cultural diplomacy that serves to bring nations and peoples of the world closer together.

For Cuban Ambassador to Hanoi Rogelio Polanco, commemorating Fidel's centenary constitutes evidence of the respect held by generations of Vietnamese toward the Cuban revolutionary.

Expressing his hope that the historic and special relationship between Vietnam and Cuba will prevail in the future, Polanco thanked the Vietnamese for their shows of solidarity at a time when the blockade and energy siege against the Caribbean nation are intensifying.

Meanwhile, Le Thi Phuong, director of the Ho Chi Minh Relic Site at the Presidential Palace, recalled that although they never met personally, their souls converged in the pursuit and defense of independence and solidarity among peoples.

"Despite the accelerated changes in the international context, the legacy of Ho Chi Minh and Fidel Castro continue to illuminate the development path of our nations," she added.

"Although geographically distant, Vietnam and Cuba always walk together in heart, and the bonds of fraternity, solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between our Parties, States, Governments, and peoples are strengthened and enriched day by day."

In concurrence with the other speakers, she expressed her confidence that through the dissemination of both leaders' lives and work, society—and especially younger generations—will embrace a renewed commitment to continue this brotherhood into the future.

During the ceremony, Ambassador Rogelio Polanco presented Thi Phuong with documents reflecting the special friendship between the two countries, and she reciprocated with a replica of the stilt house where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked during the last 15 years of his life.