Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Herminio Lopez highlighted the exemplary links of solidarity and friendship between the two countries on the ocassion of the 55th anniverssary of the Cuban Revolution, in an interview released by The People''s Army daily today.

The diplomat recalled the historical visit of Cuban Revolution leader Fidel Castro to the central liberated province of Quang Tri, in 1973, as one of the examples of solidarity between both nations during the war.

Lopez refered to the permanent Cuba-Vietnam bilateral dialogue in the past few years and the strengthening in the exchange of high level delegations, chiefly the visits of Communist Party Secretary General Nguyen Phu Trong to Havana and President Raul Castro to Hanoi.

Regarding mutual cooperation in the economic and trade sectors, the Cuban diplomat urged to invest in the Mariel Special Development Zone, and move forward a vaccine project and pharmaceutical products, among other important sectors.

The ambassador also thanked the Vietnamese aid in an ongoing rice growing program in Cuba, aimed at guarantee food service in the Caribbean country.

In his opinion, the updating of the socio-economic model in Cuba, with new policies for attracting foreign investments, will not only contribute to the national development, but also to strengthening bilateral links.