Viet Nam applauds Cuban President Raul Castro and his US counterpart Barack Obama for their statements on restoring the two countries’ diplomatic ties after 53 years of interruption, Deputy Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang said at a regular press briefing.

Deputy Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang

“Viet Nam believes that the historic announcements are the first step towards the full normalisation of the bilateral diplomatic relation to bring legitimate interests for both Cuban and US people and contribute importantly to maintaining peace and stability and intensifying cooperation in America and the world,” Hang said.

Regarding Viet Nam’s response to the hostage siege in Sydney, Australia, the diplomat said “Viet Nam condemns the violent acts that caused heartbreaking losses to the Australian Government and people, especially the families of the innocent victims in Sydney”.

She also extended the deepest condolences to the Australian Government and people as well as the victims’ families over the losses.