President Luong Cuong presided over the welcoming ceremony for South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa.

This is the first visit of a South African head of state to Vietnam in nearly 20 years, a historic milestone that contributes to promoting and elevating the bilateral relationship to a deeper and more substantive level.

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 Procurator of the Supreme People's Procuracy Nguyen Huy Tien; Lieutenant General Nguyen Truong Thang, Deputy Minister of National Defense; Lieutenant General Dang Hong Duc, Deputy Minister of Public Security...

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

President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa's state visit to Vietnam, following his visit nine years ago as Vice President, will be a significant milestone in bilateral relations, demonstrating the special importance and determination of both countries to elevate their relationship.

The visit not only strengthened traditional friendship but also opened up opportunities for leaders of the two countries to comprehensively assess cooperative relations, guide the promotion of economic , trade, and investment cooperation, and explore new potentials, aiming for a more comprehensive and profound relationship in the future.

Following the welcoming ceremony, President Luong Cuong and President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa held a private meeting and then led high-level delegations from both countries in talks to assess the results of cooperation between the two countries in the past period and propose directions for future cooperation. The two leaders will also meet with the press.