Ambassador Tran Quoc Khanh: A historic turning point opens up new cooperation prospects for Vietnam and Senegal

Vietnamese Ambassador to Algeria and Senegal Tran Quoc Khanh highlighted the significance of the official visit to Senegal by National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man - the highest-level visit ever in nearly 60 years of bilateral relations.

Ambassador of Vietnam to Algeria, concurrently accredited to Senegal, Tran Quoc Khanh. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Algeria)

Ahead of the official visit to Senegal by National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man and his wife, along with a high-level Vietnamese delegation, the Vietnamese Ambassador to Algeria and concurrently to Senegal, Tran Quoc Khanh, gave an interview to the World and Vietnam Newspaper, highlighting the historical significance of the visit and the potential for bilateral cooperation in the future.

How does the Ambassador assess the significance of the official visit to Senegal by National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man and his wife, along with the high-level Vietnamese delegation? What expectations does the Ambassador have for this special milestone in bilateral relations?

The official visit to Senegal by National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man and the high-level Vietnamese delegation is of paramount importance and historical significance. This is the highest-level visit ever made in nearly 60 years of relations between the two countries. Furthermore, the visit takes place at a very special time for both Vietnam and Senegal, marking a turning point in bilateral relations.

Senegal, on the other hand, is considered one of the most dynamically developing economies in West Africa. According to forecasts by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Senegal could achieve a growth rate of 8.3% in 2025, the highest in the region. Senegal has also recently completed the restructuring of its political system, following successful presidential elections (March 2024), the formation of a government, and early parliamentary elections (November 2024).

On the Vietnamese side, we have also successfully completed a very significant task: transforming the government model from a three-tiered to a two-tiered system, officially effective from July 1, 2025.

In this context, the visit is expected to open up new prospects for cooperation, promote friendly relations, and deepen and strengthen cooperation between the two countries, while affirming Vietnam's policy of enhancing cooperation with African nations.

During the visit, in addition to the main focus on strengthening cooperation between the two legislative bodies, members of the Vietnamese delegation, including many leaders from the Government, ministries, localities, and businesses, will also directly exchange views with the Senegalese side on measures to promote cooperation in various fields such as trade, agriculture, science, technology, investment, and people-to-people exchanges.

In particular, cooperation within the framework of multilateral organizations of which both countries are members is also a noteworthy direction. Recently, Senegal actively supported Vietnam in nominating the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son - Kiet Bac scenic area to become a World Heritage Site at the 47th session of UNESCO. This is vivid evidence of the effective coordination between the two countries on the international stage and will also be a focus of cooperation, further strengthened in the future.

The delegation, led by Ambassador Tran Quoc Khanh and President of the World Vovinam Federation (WVVF) Mai Huu Tin, along with USV leaders, at the opening ceremony of the Vietnam Ambassador's Cup Vovinam Finals 2025 in Dakar, Senegal, May 2025. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Algeria)

Senegal is a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Economic and Monetary Union of West Africa (UEMOA). According to the Ambassador, what should Vietnam do to strengthen cooperation with the potential West African region through Senegal? What measures and plans has the Embassy implemented to promote economic, trade and investment between the two countries?

Senegal is a strategically important country in West Africa. It boasts a rapidly developing economy, an open trade policy, and is a founding member of UEMOA – an influential organization within the regional economic community.

Furthermore, Senegal is also one of the leading countries in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). With these characteristics, Senegal can certainly serve as a gateway for Vietnamese goods, services, and businesses to penetrate deeper into the West African market in particular and Africa in general.

To promote relations with Senegal and, through Senegal, with other West African and African countries, we need to strengthen exchanges of high-level delegations and business delegations, especially investment and trade promotion delegations, to explore markets and establish direct connections with local businesses; and select a number of cooperation areas where Vietnam has strengths and West Africa has needs to prioritize promotion, such as agriculture, food processing, consumer goods, healthcare, and education.

In addition, it is also necessary to maximize the valuable asset of the traditional friendship and affection that the people of Senegal have for the people of Vietnam and Vietnamese culture.

Over the past period, the Vietnamese Embassy in Algeria, which also covers Senegal, has regularly sent delegations to Senegal to meet directly with and understand the needs of the Senegalese side. Simultaneously, it has coordinated with the Senegalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry to organize numerous activities promoting products and connecting businesses online. The Embassy's Trade Office also regularly provides information and support to Vietnamese businesses in understanding the market, legal aspects, and finding reliable partners in Senegal and West Africa.

In the coming period, in order to concretize the cooperation directions approved by high-level leaders, and in parallel with regularly providing two-way updates on cooperation opportunities, the Embassy will strengthen its advisory role to relevant ministries, sectors, and localities in selecting appropriate priority areas for cooperation and promptly implementing them in practice.

In addition, the Embassy will also implement economic diplomacy activities that seamlessly integrate with cultural content, thereby creating a greater impact for the image and products of Vietnam.

We understand that the road ahead is long and full of difficulties due to geographical distance, differences in technical standards, international payment systems or infrastructure... but I believe that with high political determination, and the support of ministries, sectors and business communities of the two countries, Vietnam and Senegal can absolutely become an economic bridge and effective cooperation not only on the bilateral level but also at the sub-regional and regional levels.

A view of Dakar, the capital of Senegal. (Source: Orion M)

In the multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and Senegal, the fields of culture, sports, and community have always been strong and enduring bridges. Could the Ambassador share the Embassy's efforts to promote and enhance the friendship between the two countries through these areas?

With a sense of responsibility and respect for the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Senegal, we always strive to find suitable ways to maintain and spread the good feelings that the people of the two countries have for each other, and traditional martial arts and community involvement are two very effective channels.

Senegal was one of the first countries in Africa to embrace and develop Vovinam, with the movement spreading rapidly, especially among young people. Currently, there are approximately 3,000 people practicing Vovinam at clubs throughout Senegal. The Embassy has consistently supported this movement.

Most recently, in early July 2025, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Vovinam's introduction to Senegal, we collaborated with the World Vovinam Federation to sponsor the "Vietnamese Ambassador's Cup" tournament in Dakar. This was not only a sporting event, but also an opportunity to widely spread the message of friendship, honoring shared values ​​of spirit, willpower, and mutual respect between the two nations.

Although the Vietnamese/Vietnamese-origin community in Senegal is not large, numbering only about 2000 people, consisting of the 3rd and 4th generations of Vietnamese-Senegalese families who settled in Senegal since the 1960s, they are very united, loving, and supportive of each other, and especially deeply attached to Vietnamese culture and always look towards their homeland.

The embassy has regularly provided books and newspapers, supported the activities of Kim Hoi – a Vietnamese association recognized by the Senegalese government; and encouraged the community to maintain their traditional identity, acting as "cultural ambassadors" in the host country.

What aspect of this West African nation impressed the Ambassador the most?

There are many things about Senegal that have left a deep impression on me, but if I had to choose one that impressed me most, it would be the Senegalese people with their warm hearts, hospitality, and the very distinctive "Teranga" spirit.

"Teranga" is not simply about hospitality, but a philosophy of life that values ​​tolerance, sharing, and welcoming others as if they were family. For a diplomat from Vietnam, a country that also highly values ​​human connection and community bonds, this created a very clear sense of closeness and resonance.

I also strongly sensed the vitality, dynamism, and cultural pride of the Senegalese people. From music, art, and sports to religious life and cuisine, everything exuded a unique and optimistic identity.

These positive impressions also serve as a source of encouragement for embassy staff, motivating them to further improve their role as a bridge between the two countries in all fields.

Thank you very much, Ambassador!

"The official visit to Senegal by National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man is expected to open up new cooperation prospects, promote friendly relations and deepen cooperation between the two countries, while affirming Vietnam's policy of strengthening cooperation with African countries." (Ambassador Tran Quoc Khanh)

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/dai-su-tran-quoc-khanh-buoc-ngoat-lich-su-mo-ra-nhung-trien-vong-hop-tac-moi-cho-viet-nam-va-senegal-321671.html