State President Luong Cuong hosts welcome ceremony for visiting South African counterpart

South African President Ramaphosa’s visit to Vietnam is seen as a major step forward in Vietnam–South Africa relations, reflecting the two countries’ special appreciation and determination to elevate their partnership. It also provides an opportunity for both sides to review collaboration, identify new areas of cooperation, and chart future directions for economic, trade, and investment ties.

State President Luong Cuong hosts welcome ceremony for visiting South African counterpart -0
State President Luong Cuong (right) and his South African counterpart Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa (Photo: VNA)

State President Luong Cuong on October 23 presided over a State welcome ceremony for South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, who is paying a two-day State visit to Vietnam on October 23-24.

This is the first visit to Vietnam by a South African head of state in nearly 20 years, marking a historic milestone that is expected to further advance the Vietnam–South Africa relationship in a deeper and more substantive manner.

After the national anthems of both nations were played, the two leaders reviewed the Guard of Honour of the Vietnam People’s Army.

Vietnam and South Africa officially established diplomatic relations on December 22, 1993, though their cooperation dates back to the 1960s. Over the past three decades, ties have grown steadily across Party, State, and people-to-people channels. South Africa was the first African country to forge a “Partnership for Cooperation and Development” with Vietnam, equivalent to a comprehensive partnership.

The two countries have maintained strong political and diplomatic coordination through regular high-level exchanges and cooperation across various sectors, helping to deepen mutual understanding and friendship. They also continue to support each other at international organisations and multilateral forums.

In terms of economic cooperation, South Africa remains Vietnam’s top trade and export partner in Africa, with bilateral trade turnover increasing from 192 million USD in 2007 to 1.72 billion USD in 2024. Both sides see considerable potential for expanding collaboration in new and green energy, climate finance, digital trade, banking, science and technology, innovation, and tourism.

Discussions are underway to promote market access and strengthen cooperation in areas of shared strength, such as mineral exploration, supporting industries, oil and gas services, renewable energy, and fisheries.

President Ramaphosa’s visit is seen as a major step forward in Vietnam–South Africa relations, reflecting the two countries’ special appreciation and determination to elevate their partnership. It also provides an opportunity for both sides to review collaboration, identify new areas of cooperation, and chart future directions for economic, trade, and investment ties.

Following the welcome ceremony, President Luong Cuong and his South African counterpart held a private meeting and then official talks to assess bilateral cooperation outcomes and discuss orientations for the coming period.

VNA

Other News

National Assembly Chairman urges renovation in leadership, working style

National Assembly Chairman urges renovation in leadership, working style

The NA's Committee for Cultural and Social Affairs has moved fast to reshuffle its organisation after the 14th National Party Congress and the election of deputies to the 16th NA, updating its work agenda to match new directives set out in the resolutions of the 14th National Party Congress and the first Congress of the NA Party Organisation for the 2025–2030 term.

Vietnam treasures ties with Croatia: PM

Vietnam treasures ties with Croatia: PM

Vietnam and Croatia should strive to double bilateral trade turnover from the current level of 161 million USD; study the establishment of a Joint Committee on Economic Cooperation to create a long-term, stable, and effective framework for collaboration, said Prime Minister Le Minh Hung.

President Ho Chi Minh's enduring legacy highlighted at Venezuela commemoration

President Ho Chi Minh's enduring legacy highlighted at Venezuela commemoration

Vice President of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) Jesús Faria expressed deep admiration for President Ho Chi Minh and Vietnam’s indomitable struggle for national independence. He described President Ho Chi Minh as an immortal symbol of 20th-century national liberation movements, whose legacy continues to inspire leftist parties, progressive movements, and peoples across Latin America, including Venezuela.

Vietnam proposes key cooperation orientations at BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting

Vietnam proposes key cooperation orientations at BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting

Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Hang shared Vietnam’s approach to building an independent and self-reliant economy linked to deep international integration, while proposing several key areas for enhanced cooperation between BRICS and partner countries at the Expanded BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting that opened on May 14 in India.

Vietnam asks parties to respect its sovereignty over Truong Sa

Vietnam asks parties to respect its sovereignty over Truong Sa

PSNews - The spokesperson stated that the dispatch of personnel by relevant parties to features belonging to Truong Sa without Vietnam’s permission constitutes a violation of Vietnam’s sovereignty under international law. She stressed that such actions run counter to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) as well as ongoing efforts by countries to negotiate a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

Hanoi to host ASEAN Future Forum 2026 in mid-June

Hanoi to host ASEAN Future Forum 2026 in mid-June

PSNews - Vietnam’s proposals placed the highest priority on ensuring a peaceful and stable environment conducive for continued sustainable development and improving the well-being and happiness of the ASEAN people. They were praised by member states and incorporated into the core contents of the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on the response to the Middle East crisis.

Vietnam promotes cooperation with United Nations on crime prevention

Vietnam promotes cooperation with United Nations on crime prevention

Vietnam highly values the support of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in strengthening national capacity in crime prevention and criminal justice, drug control, and addressing emerging challenges, particularly cybercrime, said Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang.

Party, State leader calls for consolidation of central steering committees on legal, judicial reform

Party, State leader calls for consolidation of central steering committees on legal, judicial reform

Consolidating the central steering committees for institutional and legal reform and for judicial reform is necessary in order to streamline organisational structures without reducing responsibilities, while ensuring clear accountability, measurable outputs and concrete results. Following the restructuring, the body will be renamed the central steering committee for institutional improvement and law enforcement, with the Party General Secretary and State President serving as its head.

Vietnam strives for substantive outcome at NPT review conference

Vietnam strives for substantive outcome at NPT review conference

At the meeting this week, Ambassador Viet briefed the UNGA President on developments during the first two weeks of the conference. He stressed that the current international geopolitical landscape poses numerous complex challenges, while reaffirming Vietnam’s determination, together with other member states, to promote substantive and balanced outcomes at the conference.

Top leader of Vietnam receives Vientiane official in Hanoi

Top leader of Vietnam receives Vientiane official in Hanoi

The host leader stressed that cooperation between localities, particularly between the capitals of Hanoi and Vientiane, plays an especially important role as a pioneering force in effectively implementing the foreign polices of the two Parties and States, while also serving as a bridge between politics and development, as well as between strategy and concrete action.