Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Lianys Torres Rivera received a large donation of 100 tonnes of rice from Viglacera Corporation, in Hanoi on May 13 as a gift to frontline health workers of the Caribbean island who are battling against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

During the handover ceremony, Viglacera Deputy General Director Tran Ngoc Anh noted that the donation reflects the Vietnamese people’s respect towards Cuban medical staff who are on the front line combatting the epidemic, adding that the firm hopes the donation will offer a boost to Cuba to overcome this challenging period. 

Anh emphasised that the Cuban Government has so far made a number of great efforts to effectively contain the epidemic, with Cuban medical workers poised to receive the gift shortly. 

In response, Ambassador Rivera extended Cuba’s gracious thanks to Viglacera Corporation for helping the Cuban people overcome this difficult time, noting that international solidarity represents a key part of overcoming the pandemic. 

The Cuban diplomat went on to state that the gift is of great significance as a way of encouraging frontline health workers on the Caribbean island to rise up to the difficulties brought about by the COVID-19. 

She expressed her firm belief that both the spirit of international solidarity and the tireless efforts put in by the entire political system and competent agencies from both countries will see Vietnam and Cuba stamp out the epidemic in the near future. 

The donation given by Viglacera Corporation comes after the Vietnamese Party, State, and people gave 5,000 tonnes of rice to the Cuban Party, the State, and people.