(VOVworld) – The visit of former Cuban President Fidel Castro to a battlefield in the central province of Quang Tri was a source of great encouragement to Vietnamese people and soldiers in their struggle for independence.

Cuban President Fidel Castro visits soldiers in Quang Tri battlefield. (Material photo)

At a meeting Thursday in Dong Ha city, Quang Tri province, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the visit, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc called Castro a great friend of Vietnam who was the first foreign leader to visit the newly liberated battlefield. Vietnam will always bear in mind Castro's immortal saying “For Vietnam, Cuba is ready to shed its own blood”. Phuc told the meeting: "Vietnam treasures its relations with Cuba and its other traditional friends. They play an important role in Vietnam’s open, active foreign policy during its current international integration. Vietnam is keen on consolidating this fine political relationship and comprehensive cooperation to benefit both countries."

Deputy Prime Minister speaks at the commemoration. (Photo: VGP)

A letter written by Castro to Vietnam marking this occasion was read at the meeting. Castro wrote that he had fulfilled a desire to visit the liberated area in southern Vietnam and extended his affection to the Vietnamese people and soldiers.