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

ASEAN Regional Forum adopts Manila Plan of Action for 2026–2036

ASEAN Regional Forum adopts Manila Plan of Action for 2026–2036

Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung affirmed that ASEAN would continue working with China to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and to conclude at an early date a substantive and effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) that is consistent with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Caring for revolution contributors reflects Vietnam's deep humanitarian value: PM

Caring for revolution contributors reflects Vietnam's deep humanitarian value: PM

The PM urged all-level authorities, sectors, localities, and the public to fully implement relevant Party resolutions and directives as well as preferential policies for revolution contributors, push ahead with the 500-day campaign, expand gratitude movements, accelerate housing support for children of Agent Orange/dioxin victims and strengthen patriotic education.

Press release on fourth working day of 14th Party Central Committee's third plenum

Press release on fourth working day of 14th Party Central Committee's third plenum

The Party Central Committee on July 23 discussed a proposal to transfer responsibility for giving advice on mass mobilisation work from the Party Central Committee's Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilisation to the Party Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and central mass organisations, as well as a proposal to rename the Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilisation as the Commission for Information and Education.

Vietnam proposes three priorities to advance Mekong–RoK cooperation

Vietnam proposes three priorities to advance Mekong–RoK cooperation

In its capacity as co-chair in 2025, Vietnam worked closely with the RoK and the Mekong countries to maintain high-level exchanges, enhance the effectiveness of the Mekong–RoK Business Forum, organise the Mekong–RoK Forum for the first time to share project outcomes and implementation experience, and promote innovative solutions in water resource management through the third Mekong–RoK Water Forum.

Vietnam reaffirms support for UNRWA, readiness to assist Gaza recovery efforts

Vietnam reaffirms support for UNRWA, readiness to assist Gaza recovery efforts

During a meeting with the UNRWA official in Manila, the Philippines on July 22, Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang affirmed Vietnam’s consistent support for UNRWA’s role and operations, praising its efforts to maintain humanitarian, educational and healthcare assistance for Palestinians amid the complex situation.

Vietnam attends ASEAN foreign ministers' meetings with partners

Vietnam attends ASEAN foreign ministers' meetings with partners

The Vietnamese delegation proposed making energy security and transition a pillar of ASEAN-Canada relations, and urged Canada to support the implementation of the ASEAN Power Grid and expand cooperation in renewable energy, hydrogen, energy storage and nuclear power for civilian purposes.

Vietnamese naval vessel begins friendship visit to China

Vietnamese naval vessel begins friendship visit to China

On behalf of the Vietnamese delegation, Minh said he was confident that the activities will further strengthen mutual understanding and trust between the two militaries and navies, while contributing to the implementation of the common perceptions reached by the two countries' senior leaders on advancing more substantive defence and security cooperation.

Promoting Human Rights through Dialogue and Cooperation

Promoting Human Rights through Dialogue and Cooperation

Vietnam consistently upholds the UN Charter and international law, advocating for a balanced approach to human rights issues through dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect. The country firmly opposes the politicization of human rights and interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states.

📝 OP-ED: Foreign affairs expand Vietnam's development space

📝 OP-ED: Foreign affairs expand Vietnam's development space

Recent diplomatic activities demonstrated that the foreign policy set out at the 14th National Party Congress is being translated into concrete action, reaffirming diplomacy as a “vital and regular” task alongside national defence and security.

📝 OP-ED: Where public trust is secured, everything else falls into place

📝 OP-ED: Where public trust is secured, everything else falls into place

Instead of merely handling information after an incident already occurred, it is necessary to proactively gauge public sentiment, anticipate trends in public opinion and address at an early stage issues that could undermine public trust. In other words, the focus must shift from “managing information” to proactively “governing public trust”.