Vietnam, South Africa Strengthen Parliamentary and Economic Cooperation
Pretoria, The Gulf Observer: As part of his official visit to South Africa from July 13–16, Vice Chairman of Vietnam’s National Assembly Vũ Hồng Thanh met with Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, and held talks with Annelie Lotriet, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, in Cape Town on July 16.
Thanh congratulated South Africa on its progress under the “National Development Plan 2030” and emphasized Vietnam’s strong commitment to deepening ties with South Africa, a top partner in the region. He delivered letters from State President Lương Cường and Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, respectively inviting President Cyril Ramaphosa to attend the UN Anti-Cybercrime Convention in Hanoi this October and expressing thanks for the G20 Summit invitation.
South African leaders lauded Thanh’s visit as a step forward in inter-parliamentary cooperation and bilateral ties, expressing admiration for Vietnam’s economic growth and administrative reforms.
The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation through mechanisms like the Intergovernmental Partnership Forum and Defence Policy Dialogue. They also pledged closer multilateral coordination and support for Vietnam’s candidacies in international bodies.
On economic ties, both nations aim to finalise a list of 50 key export items and promote investment in sectors such as EVs, energy, and technology. Tourism facilitation and business engagement were also discussed, with SACCI proposing a bilateral business council—a suggestion welcomed by Thanh.
They committed to boosting parliamentary collaboration through high-level exchanges and joint efforts in multilateral parliamentary forums, while advancing agreements on taxation, visa exemption, science, and education cooperation.
Thanh also met with SACCI representatives and the Vietnamese community in Johannesburg.
