Raúl Castro made a public appearance this Friday alongside Vietnam's President, To Lam, amidst swirling rumors regarding his health condition.
A statement released by the Cuban Presidency on X mentioned that Castro "welcomed the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of that brotherly nation, comrade To Lam, who is on a state visit to Cuba, on Friday morning."
The previous day, it was reported that To Lam had arrived in Havana and met with Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel. However, the usual meeting with Castro had not been announced, which fueled speculations about his health. Castro often meets with significant political figures, particularly leaders from countries with historical ties to Cuba.
During To Lam's last visit to the island two years ago, Castro, in his role as a historic leader of the country, received him personally. Both politicians, who hold the rank of Army General, share a strong bond due to their respective careers in their nations, which have historically maintained excellent diplomatic relations.