Vietnam and South Africa Deepen Traditional Ties and Expand Cooperation
Pretoria, The Gulf Observer: A high-level delegation from the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), led by Politburo member and Chairman of the CPV Central Committee’s Commission for Internal Affairs Phan Đình Trạc, conducted a working visit to South Africa from September 22 to October 2. The delegation aimed to bolster ties between Vietnam and South Africa through a series of meetings with political and state leaders.
During the visit, Trạc met with South African President and President of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) Cyril Ramaphosa, Speaker of the South African National Assembly Thokozile Didiza, and General Secretary of the South African Communist Party (SACP) Solly Mapaila. Trạc emphasized the importance of South Africa’s leadership under Ramaphosa in fostering peace, stability, and development, and expressed confidence in the ANC’s continued success in leading the nation.
The discussions underscored the desire to deepen relations between the CPV and the ANC, as well as between the two countries. Trạc proposed increasing exchanges of high-level delegations and cooperation in areas of mutual interest, such as agriculture, minerals, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. He also suggested signing cooperation agreements between the two parties and strengthening collaboration at multilateral forums and international organizations, with South Africa supporting Việt Nam’s engagement with the African Union and other regional bodies.
In his meetings, Trạc extended an invitation from Vietnamese leaders to South African leaders for an official visit to Vietnam. Ramaphosa expressed admiration for Vietnam’s economic development and the successes achieved through the đổi mới (Renewal) process, highlighting his interest in learning from Vietnam’s experience.
In talks with Speaker Thokozile Didiza, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation between their respective national assemblies, sharing legislative expertise and supporting each other in regional and global inter-parliamentary mechanisms.
The delegation also held productive sessions with ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula and First Deputy Secretary General Nomvula Mokonyane, focusing on party building, national development, and economic progress. ANC leaders expressed their intention to send a delegation to Vietnam to learn from the CPV’s successes in these areas.
At a meeting with SACP General Secretary Solly Mapaila, Trạc reaffirmed the CPV’s commitment to strengthening ties with the SACP, acknowledging its role in fostering relations between the two countries.
While in South Africa, Trạc also met with the Vietnamese Embassy staff and the local Vietnamese community, further solidifying the strong ties between the two nations.
