Vietnam’s Vice President Embarks on African Journey

Vietnam has enjoyed strong and enduring relations with Africa, particularly with Mozambique and South Africa. These African nations have consistently been valued friends and key partners for Vietnam on the African continent. Similarly, Vietnam is also recognized as a promising partner for African nations.

According to a report from VNA, Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan and her delegation arrived in the capital city of Maputo to embark on a four-day official visit to Mozambique on the evening of September 10th (local time).

At the airport, Xuan and the Vietnamese delegation were warmly greeted by Vietnamese Ambassador to Mozambique, Pham Hoang Kim, Mozambican Minister of Sea, Inland Waters and Fisheries, Lidia Cardoso, Mozambican Ambassador to Vietnam, Leonardo Rosario Manueal Pene, and other representatives from various organizations and enterprises from both nations.

Vietnam’s Vice President Begins Africa Tour. Photo: VNA

During her visit, Vice President Xuan will engage in discussions with Prime Minister Adriano Afonso Maleiane and make courtesy visits to President Filipe Nyusi and President of the Assembly of Mozambique, Esperanca Bias. Additionally, she will have meetings with the President of the Maputo Municipal Council, General Secretary of the Frelimo Party, Roque Silva, the President of the Confederation of Mozambique Economic Associations (CTA), and various Mozambican enterprises.

She will have a meeting with the staff of the Vietnamese Embassy and representatives of the Vietnamese community in Mozambique. Additionally, she will be participating in a working session with the telecommunications joint venture, Movitel, in the country.

The visit of Xuan serves as further confirmation of the strong and longstanding diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Mozambique, which have been highly valued by the leaders and citizens of both nations.

Given the significant roles and growing influence of Mozambique in Southern Africa and Vietnam in Southeast Asia, the potential for collaboration between these two countries is immense, particularly in the areas of economy and trade.

Mozambique has strengths in natural resources, fisheries, and a competitive labor market, while Vietnam boasts advantages in agriculture, handicrafts, fisheries, and a diligent workforce.

The favorable conditions for the development of Vietnam – Mozambique relations include the complementarity of their economies, regular exchange of high-level delegations, and increased cooperation between localities and businesses.

Vietnam and Mozambique established diplomatic relations on June 25, 1975. Vietnam opened its embassy in Mozambique in 1976, demonstrating its commitment to strengthening the longstanding friendship with Mozambique and other African nations.

The two countries have consistently engaged in the exchange of delegations and offered mutual support at international forums.

The economic, trade, and investment cooperation between the two countries has emerged as a prominent aspect of their bilateral relationship. In 2022, the trade turnover between them surged to more than USD 177 million, reflecting a notable 16% growth when compared to the previous year.

Meanwhile, South Africa is the first and only cooperation and development partner of Vietnam in Africa. The Communist Party of Vietnam has forged a strong and enduring friendship and cooperative relationship with the ruling African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Communist Party (SACP).

South Africa is Vietnam’s largest trading partner and largest export market, with two-way trade reaching USD 1.3 billion last year. The two countries have consistently held sessions of the intergovernmental cooperation committee and the joint trade commission.

Currently, Vietnam has three operational projects in South Africa, while South Africa has 19 operating projects in Vietnam.

The two countries have also maintained national defense dialogues since 2015.