Mr. Fredesman served twice as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Cuba to Vietnam. The Cuban diplomat had many opportunities to meet and work with former Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan. In Ambassador Fredesman's memory, former Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan was a very sincere, simple, wise and experienced comrade.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan speaks at the scientific conference "75 years of Vietnamese Diplomacy: Lessons and Directions" (2020). Photo: VNA

Mr. Fredesman recalled: “During my first term as Ambassador to Vietnam (1999-2004), Comrade Vu Khoan was Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the National Committee for International Economic Cooperation. He enthusiastically supported the promotion of economic and trade relations between Cuba and Vietnam.”

Former Ambassador Fredesman said that when deciding to update its economic model, Cuba sent a group of experts to study and learn from Vietnam's experiences. Former Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan, who had retired at that time, spent a lot of time with the Cuban group of experts, explaining in detail about Vietnam's renovation process through the periods.

The former Cuban Ambassador highly appreciated the contributions of former Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan to Vietnam's diplomacy, especially the process of regional and international economic integration. Comrade Vu Khoan's diplomatic career had many bright spots, notably Vietnam's accession to ASEAN and its free trade area; followed by the Vietnam-US Trade Agreement and a long journey with negotiations to join the World Trade Organization (WTO). Former Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan and the Government contributed to ending the embargo against Vietnam, opening a new foreign policy.

Former Ambassador Fredesman emotionally expressed: “Comrade’s passing is truly an irreparable loss. Comrade was a sincere and simple friend of Cuba. I deeply respect and mourn him. I would like to express my deepest condolences to his family, relatives and friends, as well as to the Party, State and people of Vietnam for this loss.”

VNA