President Luong Cuong presided over the State Reception Ceremony for South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa

Photo caption — President Luong Cuong welcomes South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa. Photo: Lam Khanh/VNA

At the Presidential Palace, President Luong Cuong hosted a State welcome ceremony for President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa. This is the first visit by a South African head of state to Vietnam in nearly 20 years, marking a historic milestone, contributing to promoting the deepening and substantive relations between the two countries.

Attending the welcoming ceremony were: Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son; Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Vu Hong Thanh; Minister of Justice Nguyen Hai Ninh; Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung; Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Tran Sy Thanh; Chief Justice of the Supreme People's Procuracy Nguyen Huy Tien;

Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Truong Thang, Deputy Minister of National Defense; Lieutenant General Dang Hong Duc, Deputy Minister of Public Security ; Deputy Head of the Office of the President Nguyen Hoang Anh; Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Anh Tuan; Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang; Deputy Minister of Finance Le Tan Can; Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Vo Van Hung; Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui The Duy; Vietnamese Ambassador to South Africa Hoang Sy Cuong; Assistant to the President Duong Quoc Hung.

A large number of children from the capital were present at the Presidential Palace waving flags of the two countries to welcome President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa and the South African high-ranking delegation.

The motorcade escorting President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa entered the Presidential Palace. President Luong Cuong was present on the red carpet to warmly welcome President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, who led the South African high-ranking delegation on a state visit to Vietnam. Representatives of the capital's children came forward to present the South African President with a bouquet of flowers.

To the sound of welcoming music, President Luong Cuong and President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa walked along the red carpet and onto the podium. After listening to the national anthems of the two countries, President Luong Cuong and President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa left the podium, bowed to the military flag and inspected the Guard of Honor of the Vietnam People's Army. Next, the two leaders introduced the members of the high-ranking delegations of the two countries attending the welcoming ceremony.

Vietnam and South Africa established official diplomatic relations on December 22, 1993, but the two countries have had a cooperative and close relationship since the 1960s of the 20th century. The Communist Party of Vietnam and the African National Congress (ANC) have built a relationship of solidarity, friendship, and mutual support in the struggle against colonialism and for independence in each country.

Based on the traditional foundation of good relations, stemming from the needs, concerns and efforts of both sides, the relationship between the two countries over the past 30 years has developed well on all channels of the Party, State and people-to-people exchange. South Africa is the first country to establish a "Partnership for Cooperation and Development" (equivalent to a Comprehensive Partnership) with Vietnam in Africa.

The two sides maintained good momentum of political and diplomatic cooperation through delegation exchanges at all levels, especially at high levels, through the channels of the Party, State, National Assembly, ministries, branches and localities, encouraging and facilitating people-to-people exchanges to enhance solidarity and mutual understanding. The two sides regularly coordinated and supported each other at international organizations and multilateral forums.

In terms of economic cooperation, South Africa is currently Vietnam's leading trade partner and export market in Africa. Total bilateral trade turnover increased from 192 million USD in 2007 to 1.72 billion USD in 2024. The two sides have the potential to promote cooperation in the fields of new energy, green energy, climate finance; e-commerce, banking and finance; science, technology and innovation, and tourism.

The two sides are actively discussing measures to promote bilateral economic cooperation through the exchange of potential export products, jointly solving market access issues, promoting cooperation in areas of strength, such as: mineral exploitation, supporting industries, oil and gas services, renewable energy, fisheries, etc.

President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa’s State visit to Vietnam, which takes place after his visit nine years ago as Vice President, will be an important milestone in the bilateral relationship, demonstrating the special respect and determination of the two countries in elevating bilateral relations. The visit not only consolidates the traditional friendship but also opens up opportunities for the two countries’ leaders to comprehensively assess the cooperative relationship, orientate the promotion of economic, trade and investment cooperation, and exploit new potentials towards a more comprehensive and profound relationship in the future.

After the welcoming ceremony, President Luong Cuong and President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa had a private meeting and then led the high-ranking delegations of the two countries to hold talks, assessing the results of cooperation between the two countries in the past time and proposing directions for cooperation in the future. The two leaders will also meet the press.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/thoi-su/chu-tich-nuoc-luong-cuong-chu-tri-le-don-cap-nha-nuoc-tong-thong-nam-phi-matamela-cyril-ramaphosa-20251023162641491.htm