Fidel Castro Ruz – Cuba in the hearts of the Vietnamese people: An epic of great friendship.

Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Rogelio Polanco Fuentes and journalist Vuong Xuan Nguyen, author of the book “Fidel Castro Ruz – Cuba in the Hearts of the Vietnamese People,” at the seminar “Fidel Castro Ruz: From Childhood to Legend” organized by the Ho Chi Minh National Political Academy and the National Political Publishing House on August 12, 2026.

An overview of the seminar.

Through the author’s insightful yet accessible analytical lens, the portrait of this outstanding leader is comprehensively sketched through five core qualities. A particularly significant symbolic element is that when the first letters of these five qualities are combined, they form the name FIDEL, carrying profound philosophical meaning in Spanish : Fidelidad : Representing absolute loyalty and unwavering steadfastness to revolutionary ideals; Internacionalismo : Expressing pure internationalism and a shared destiny with progressive humanity; Dignidad: Depicting noble human dignity and steely resolve in the face of all powerful forces; Educación: Reflecting a strategic vision for knowledge, humanistic healthcare , and sustainable human development; Líder: Honoring the image of a brilliant leader, the outstanding commander-in-chief of the world revolutionary movement.

Approaching the book from its very first pages through its elaborate structure evokes intense emotions in the reader. Further enhancing the authenticity and profound political value of the work, the Preface, personally written by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Cuba to Vietnam, Rogelio Polanco Fuentes, strongly affirms that when journalist Vuong Xuan Nguyen titled the book, he touched upon an undeniable truth: Fidel Castro and Cuba will always be in the hearts of the Vietnamese people.

Mr. Nguyen Thai Binh, Deputy Director – Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the National Political Publishing House, presented a special edition of the book to the Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam, Rogelio Polanco Fuentes, and journalist Vuong Xuan Nguyen, author of the book “Fidel Castro Ruz – Cuba in the Hearts of the Vietnamese People,” at the seminar “Fidel Castro Ruz: From Childhood to Legend.”

The Cuban Embassy also pointed out that the work is a meticulously crafted and emotionally charged account of the personality, qualities, and strategic vision of the Cuban leader. Fidel’s life and career are illuminated through a compelling explanation: because of his unwavering belief, Fidel once declared that Cuba was ready to shed its blood for Vietnam, and he steadfastly defended the national liberation struggle of our people in every forum and everywhere in the world. In particular, the work avoids dogmatic presentation or one-sided praise; instead, journalist Vuong Xuan Nguyen skillfully allows President Fidel himself, in the role of interviewee or speaker, to recount the most significant events in his life and the political context of the era in which he lived.

Affirming the practical value and authenticity of the work, Ambassador Rogelio Polanco Fuentes emphasized: ” In light of the efforts in systematizing documents, collecting valuable materials, and the dedication devoted to the compilation of this book, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to journalist Vuong Xuan Nguyen and the National Political Publishing House. On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro, the publication of this valuable book is a fitting tribute to the exemplary legacy he left for present and future generations of the Vietnamese people. Those generations will forever keep Fidel and Cuba in their hearts, just as Vietnam and President Ho Chi Minh will always be present in the soul of the Cuban people.”

The yearning for freedom, revolutionary spirit, and the encounter of great souls.

In the opening section of the work ( The Aspiration for Freedom and Revolutionary Spirit ), the author meticulously portrays a nuanced portrait of Fidel Castro. He was not merely a politician, but the soul of the Cuban Revolution. The first pages not only recount his life but also delve into his ideological turning points: from the aspiration to overthrow the Batista dictatorship to the building of a just society. Journalist Vuong Xuan Nguyen highlights Fidel’s “iron” resolve in the face of powerful forces, thereby inspiring readers with a strong belief in the power of human will. Fidel emerges as a brilliant strategist who transformed revolutionary ideas into reality right next to his greatest adversary. The author deeply analyzes his “overcoming adversity” mindset, emphasizing that the freedom of a nation is never a gift, but the result of tireless sacrifice and struggle. This is a great lesson in revolutionary spirit for the younger generation in determining their ideals and responsibilities to the nation. The author raises the question of the meaning of self-determination, affirming that revolutionary character is not limited to weapons but also lies in cultural thinking and the aspiration to build a humane society.

Moving on to the second part ( The fateful encounter and the unwavering oath between Vietnam and Cuba ), the book leads the reader back to the historical moments where destiny bound the two nations together. The immortal statement: “For Vietnam, Cuba is ready to shed even its own blood” is not just a political slogan, but a solemn pledge of honor.

The passages describing Fidel’s affection for Vietnam are deeply moving. The author analyzes the harmony between President Ho Chi Minh’s spirit of “Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom” and Fidel Castro’s radical revolutionary ideology. President Ho Chi Minh and leader Fidel never met in person, but these two great leaders met on a high ideological level, sharing an absolute harmony of will and lofty revolutionary ideals. This encounter between great souls transcended all spatial and temporal distances.

The publication “Fidel Castro Ruz – Cuba in the Hearts of the Vietnamese People” by journalist Vuong Xuan Nguyen was published by the National Political Publishing House.

In particular, the insightful analysis of Fidel Castro’s historic visit to the liberated zone of Quang Tri in 1973 – an unprecedented event – ​​truly portrays the courage of the leader as he ventured into a land still riddled with bombs and mines. Through this, the author affirms that Cuba’s support for Vietnam was heartfelt, borderless, and selfless. This is proof of a great friendship forged in the midst of war, where the sacrifices of the Cuban people for Vietnam became a symbol of noble internationalism, an unshakeable spiritual anchor for our people during the most arduous days of the war against the US.

A mark of friendship, strategic vision, and a great diplomatic legacy.

In the third part ( The Mark of Friendship and Generosity ), journalist Vuong Xuan Nguyen skillfully weaves together historically significant events with touching everyday stories about the generosity of the Cuban people towards Vietnam. We see images of Cuban engineers and doctors who came to Vietnam during the most difficult years of the war to build hospitals and infrastructure projects such as the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Hospital in Dong Hoi. Cuba’s assistance was not limited to material aid; it was also invaluable moral support for our people. The author delves into the humanistic aspects of aid policies: Cuba not only provided economic aid but also trained thousands of Vietnamese students, treating the Vietnamese as family. The author skillfully uses documents and memoirs from former experts and students to revive beautiful memories, creating a solid collective memory of friendship across the ocean, affirming that this sentiment has deeply permeated the blood of generations of Vietnamese people. Generosity here is not just about giving, but about sharing a common ideal of a world where people can live with dignity.

The final section of the work ( The Diplomatic Legacy of Ho Chi Minh and Fidel Castro Ruz) is the most insightful analysis of the strategic vision of the two great leaders: President Ho Chi Minh and Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz. The author poses the question: how can a bilateral relationship become a legacy for future generations? The author clearly points out that the diplomatic legacy between President Ho Chi Minh, Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro, and subsequent generations of leaders of the two countries lies not in treaties, but in ethics and sincerity. The system of statements, joint declarations, and valuable documentary images presented affirms a truth: the Vietnam-Cuba relationship is a “model” relationship in international relations, where respect and empathy transcend all pragmatic calculations. The author also expands the analysis on the ideology of “proletarian international solidarity” that Fidel persistently pursued, turning Cuba into a guiding light for national liberation movements around the world. It is a timeless legacy, transcending the boundaries of two nations to become a source of inspiration for global peace. The author has demonstrated that, in diplomacy, the greatest strength lies in sincerity and strategic belief in justice. The legacy of the two great leaders: President Ho Chi Minh and Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz, has been, is, and will continue to be preserved and strongly promoted by generations of leaders and people of both countries in the new context of the world and the times.

The timeless value and enduring message of Vietnam-Cuba friendship.

Objectively speaking, “FIDEL CASTRO RUZ – CUBA IN THE HEART OF THE VIETNAMESE PEOPLE” goes beyond merely affirming the enduring values ​​of history. Through a vast collection of documents, journalist Vuong Xuan Nguyen raises contemporary questions: In the current context of instability, what is the value of unwavering friendship? The book avoids dogmatic praise and instead adopts an approach based on facts, data, and genuine emotion. Its coherent and argumentative writing style prevents readers from being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of material, instead captivating them with its logic and intellectual depth. The work fulfills its mission as a valuable historical source, helping future generations better understand the “exemplary relationship” that the two nations have diligently cultivated. The selection of joint statements and historical pronouncements demonstrates the author’s significant effort to systematize the diplomatic thinking of the two nations. This offers immense practical value for scientific research, historical education, and building lasting friendships in a volatile global political environment.

Perhaps the greatest value of this book lies not in its number of pages or historical documents, but in its message of kindness and humanity. In a turbulent world where international relations are sometimes dominated by pragmatism, the story of Vietnam and Cuba is a vivid testament that genuine friendship still exists and is the strength to overcome all difficulties. Reading and reflecting on this book is not only about learning about the past, but also about nurturing a spirit of solidarity, so that each Vietnamese person can be more proud of the positive values ​​their nation has contributed to building on the map of international friendship. Every line in the book serves as a reminder that trust is the most precious asset in relationships between people and between nations. The book has truly created an academic and emotional forum where every Vietnamese person, regardless of age, can find inspiration and a connection to the noble ideals that Fidel Castro dedicated his life to pursuing.

“FIDEL CASTRO RUZ – CUBA IN THE HEART OF THE VIETNAMESE PEOPLE” is not just a book; it is a spiritual legacy. Journalist Vuong Xuan Nguyen has not only written about a book, but about the heartbeat of two peoples, two nations sharing a common aspiration for freedom. The work deserves to become a precious archive in the hearts of every history lover, those who believe in the power of compassion and yearn to deeply understand a great friendship that has withstood the test of time, becoming an immortal legend in the Vietnamese consciousness. This work will undoubtedly be a great source of inspiration for researchers, students, and the younger generation to continue studying, preserving, and developing this loyal and pure relationship to a new level in the challenging context of globalization today. This is proof of the immortality of humanist ideals, the enduring nature of gratitude, and the aspiration for a peaceful and equal world where all nations have the right to determine their own destiny in fraternal solidarity.

This book not only concludes its writings but also opens new paths for the Vietnam-Cuba friendship to flourish, remain ever green, and endure for generations in the flow of human history. It is this unwavering commitment to preserving these core values ​​that has made the relationship between the two countries special, becoming a vital source of strength for the development of both nations in the 21st century. It affirms that despite the vast geographical distance, our hearts beat as one, moving forward together towards a bright and free future, where the friendship between Vietnam and Cuba will forever remain a sacred flame burning brightly in the hearts of those who cherish peace and justice worldwide. The work serves as a powerful reminder to preserve and protect the spiritual heritage, the political and moral values ​​that our ancestors painstakingly built, preventing the dust of time from obscuring these beautiful memories.

In the current process of national construction and defense, a deep understanding of Fidel Castro’s ideology, as expressed in this book, not only helps the younger generation strengthen their faith in the Party and State’s foreign policy, but also awakens in each individual a spirit of national pride, the confidence to step out into the world, and a readiness to face the challenges of the times with the mindset of someone who is a master of their own future. This is a legacy not only of Vietnam and Cuba, but of all freedom-loving people around the world, a roadmap for cooperation, development, and sustainable peace. We believe that the pages of Vuong Xuan Nguyen’s book are a vivid symbol of the special and unwavering friendship between Vietnam and Cuba, conveying the strength of faith, kindness, and courage, so that future generations can continue to write this great epic, taking the Vietnam-Cuba relationship further, higher, and more beautiful in the process of integration and development of humanity. This is the most perfect continuation, the most meaningful tribute to those who sacrificed their entire lives for the noble cause of both nations, for a brighter future for humanity.