HAVANA, Cuba.-For his great and extraordinary merits in strengthening the relations of cooperation between the Governments, Parties and peoples of Cuba and Vietnam, President Raul Castro was decorated this Thursday with the Order of the Golden Star, the highest distinction granted by the Government of the Indochinese country.

The Order was imposed by the Secretary General of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Nguyen Phu Trong, in the Palace of the Revolution in Havana.

“The endearing friendship between Cuba and Vietnam has passed the test of time,” President Raul said, who also remarked that both nations have managed to consolidate their links at the highest level.

The Army General also expressed that the parties and peoples of the two countries have remained united in the construction of Socialism.

For Vietnam, even Our Own Blood

President Raul Castro, First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba, recalled his visit to Vietnam in 1966 and his meeting with Ho Chi Minh and underlined that this nation was an example for all those who fought for independence.

“Vietnam represents constancy and effort in the socialist building,” Raul added, after being decorated with the Order of the Golden Star, the highest honor bestowed by the Indochinese country.

Raul also recalled Cuba´s internationalist commitment, expressed by Fidel when he said: “For Vietnam we are ready to give up our own blood.”

“To the Government and people of Vietnam our eternal gratitude,” the Cuban President concluded.