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The Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel and his wife Lis Cuesta arrived in Vietnam on Saturday night for an official visit, chartering a plane that costs 11,000 dollars per hour.
It is the Airbus A330-200 with a capacity for 299 passengers, with tail number EC-KOM from the Spanish airline Plus Ultra that the ruler used in 2023.
In November 2023, the same plane was used by Díaz-Canel for his tour of the Middle East. It also flew Díaz-Canel to New York in September of that year for the United Nations Assembly.
According to Diario de Cuba, the rental costs 11,000 dollars per hour. The independent outlet confirmed that flight PU943 departed from Istanbul, Turkey, on Saturday, and landed at 8:38 AM on Sunday in Hanoi, after 11 hours of flight.
The delegation from the Cuban regime arrived this Saturday at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, where it was received by member of the Political Bureau, director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and president of the Central Theoretical Council, Nguyen Xuan Thang, along with other party, governmental, and Friendship Association authorities from both countries.
Although Lis Cuesta is not on the official list, as is customary, she accompanies her husband on the trip.
On his first day of visits, Díaz-Canel laid a floral tribute at a bust of José Martí in a park in Hanoi and visited the National Museum of Military History, reported the official press.
Tour of Asia
This marks the beginning of an official tour of his Asian allies Vietnam, China, and Laos.
Díaz-Canel said on X that these are "sister nations bound by deep ties and a history of shared cooperation and solidarity, tested by time and the greatest challenges. We will keep you informed."
The president will take part in the events commemorating the 80th anniversaries of the proclamation of independence and the founding of what was then the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, as well as the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Antifascist War, reported the Presidency of Cuba
During his stay in these countries, he will meet with his counterparts “to promote the development of bilateral cooperation in all cases, the implementation of existing agreements, as well as to accelerate the joint construction of the Community of Shared Future Cuba-China,” the official information specifies.
Accompanying Díaz-Canel are Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Emilio Lozada García, member of the Central Committee and head of its Department of International Relations; and Oscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga, Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment.
Amidst the structural crisis plaguing Cuban society, this tour will likely become yet another request for assistance from Havana to its allies.
This week it was reported, for example, that in Vietnam a solidarity campaign for Cuba raised a donation of 14 million dollars in just a few days.
The campaign, which will run until October 16, reflects the strength of the diplomatic ties between both countries, but also highlights how the Cuban regime clings to the narrative of international solidarity, despite the fact that millions of people on the island face extreme poverty, collapsed hospitals and a constantly deteriorating quality of life.
Frequently asked questions about Díaz-Canel's trip to Vietnam and the Cuban political context
How much does the plane rented by Díaz-Canel for his trip to Vietnam cost?
The plane leased by Díaz-Canel costs 11,000 dollars per hour. It is an Airbus A330-200 from the Spanish airline Plus Ultra, which has been used on other occasions by the Cuban leader for his international trips.
What is the purpose of Díaz-Canel's trip to Vietnam?
Díaz-Canel began an official tour of Asia, including Vietnam, China, and Laos. During his visit, he will meet with his counterparts to promote the development of bilateral cooperation and participate in events commemorating the anniversaries of Vietnam's proclamation of independence. This trip is set against the backdrop of the structural crisis in Cuba, where the regime seeks to strengthen ties with its allies.
Who is accompanying Díaz-Canel on his tour of Asia?
Accompanying Díaz-Canel are key figures of the Cuban regime, such as Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Emilio Lozada García, Head of the Department of International Relations; and Oscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga, Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment. Additionally, Lis Cuesta, although not listed on the official roster, is accompanying her husband on the trip.
How is the use of private planes by Díaz-Canel perceived?
The use of private planes by Díaz-Canel has faced strong criticism, especially at a time when Cuba is experiencing a severe economic and social crisis, with food shortages and blackouts. This practice has been seen as a sign of disconnection and privilege among the ruling elite, contrasting with the daily hardships of the Cuban people.
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