Opening a new phase of deeper and more effective cooperation between Vietnam and South Africa

According to President Luong Cuong, the two sides agreed on the direction to upgrade the bilateral cooperation framework to a new level to create a foundation to deepen political relations and create breakthroughs in economic relations.

At the invitation of President Luong Cuong, President of the Republic of South Africa Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in Hanoi , beginning a two-day State visit to Vietnam on October 23 and 24, 2025.

On the afternoon of October 23, immediately after the State-level welcoming ceremony, President Luong Cuong and President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa led high-ranking delegations from both countries to hold talks. After concluding the talks, the two leaders held a press conference to inform the press about the results of the talks.

Speaking at the press conference, President Luong Cuong expressed his delight at welcoming the President leading a high-ranking delegation from the Republic of South Africa to pay a State visit to Vietnam; affirming that the visit is of great significance, a historic milestone, opening a new chapter to promote the elevation of Vietnam-South Africa relations for the benefit of the people of the two countries, for peace and development in the region and the world.

Pointing out that Vietnam always attaches importance to and strengthens the good traditional friendship with South Africa, the President announced that he and the President of South Africa had just had a very successful meeting, comprehensively exchanged and reached high consensus on directions and measures to open a new phase of cooperation between the two countries, more extensive and effective.

According to the President, the two sides agreed on the direction to upgrade the bilateral cooperation framework to a new level to create a foundation to deepen political relations and create breakthroughs in economic, trade, investment and other fields.

President Luong Cuong met with the press and announced the results of the talks between the two sides. (Photo: Lam Khanh/VNA)

The two sides agreed to continue to increase bilateral trade turnover. Accordingly, Vietnam proposed that South Africa open its market for Vietnam's strong goods to penetrate the South African market and through South Africa to penetrate the Southern African Development Community (SADC) market; and proposed that South Africa create conditions and offer incentives for Vietnamese enterprises to access, learn about the market and invest in South Africa. On the other hand, Vietnam is willing to create conditions for large South African corporations in the fields of technology, finance, minerals, etc. to invest in Vietnam.

Along with that, the President affirmed that the two sides agreed to continue promoting cooperation in important areas with great potential for cooperation such as defense, security, energy, minerals, agriculture, fishing, aquaculture, and local cooperation; coordinate in organizing people-to-people exchange activities, art-cultural exchanges, sports and tourism to enhance mutual understanding between the people of the two countries.

At the same time, continue to closely coordinate, share stances on regional and international issues, support each other at multilateral forums such as the United Nations, African Union, ASEAN, Non-Aligned Movement...; agree to act as a bridge for each country in promoting cooperation with countries and organizations in each region.

Vietnam asked South Africa to support the stance of ASEAN and Vietnam on the East Sea issue to ensure peace, security, safety, freedom of navigation and aviation, and to resolve disputes by peaceful means on the basis of respect for international law, the United Nations Charter and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The President said the two leaders welcomed the joint statement issued by both sides on the results of the visit; agreed to promote the relevant agencies of the two countries to actively exchange and negotiate towards signing important documents, creating a legal framework for bilateral cooperation activities, creating a solid legal framework for cooperation and developing relations in the coming period.

The President firmly believes that, in the spirit of goodwill and sincerity, the Vietnam-South Africa cooperation relationship will increasingly develop, deepen and become more effective, for the benefit of the two peoples, for peace, stability, cooperation and prosperity of the Asia-Africa regions and the world.

For his part, South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his emotion at the warm and respectful welcome that the President, Government and people of Vietnam gave to the delegation, demonstrating the spirit of friendship and solidarity between the two countries.

South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa met with the press to announce the results of the talks between the two sides. (Photo: Lam Khanh/VNA)

The South African leader stressed that this visit took place at a symbolic time when Vietnam has just celebrated its 80th National Day - a milestone demonstrating the country's resilient will, indomitable spirit and remarkable development achievements; at the same time, it is an opportunity for the two sides to look back on the friendly and united relationship built on the foundation of peace, justice and mutual respect since the establishment of diplomatic relations.

President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa affirmed that the South Africa-Vietnam relationship has been continuously expanding in many fields, from politics, economics, trade, investment to science-technology, education, defense, agriculture, justice and biodiversity conservation; at the same time, the two countries are aiming to upgrade their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, demonstrating their common commitment to enhancing comprehensive cooperation.

Highlighting Vietnam as South Africa's key partner in Southeast Asia, President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his desire to promote relations with ASEAN, based on the spirit of solidarity of the Bandung Conference and the traditional ties between the two continents.

He also expressed his delight at Vietnam's invitation to attend the G20 Summit, considering this an opportunity for the two countries to continue coordinating to promote multilateralism, peace and common prosperity.

The South African leader believes that this visit will lay the foundation for increasingly substantive cooperation, bringing practical benefits to the people of the two countries and actively contributing to peace and development in the region and the world./.

(TTXVN/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/mo-ra-mot-giai-doan-hop-tac-moi-sau-rong-va-hieu-qua-hon-giua-viet-nam-nam-phi-post1072243.vnp