This marks the first visit by a South African head of state to Vietnam in nearly two decades, a historic milestone expected to strengthen the bilateral relations in an in-depth and substantial manner.
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President of the Republic of South Africa Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa (left) starts the state visit to Vietnam. (Photo: VNA) |
Vietnam and South Africa established diplomatic ties on December 22, 1993. However, the two countries had enjoyed cooperative and close-knit relations since the 1960s. The Communist Party of Vietnam and the African National Congress (ANC) forged a strong bond of solidarity and mutual support during their respective struggles against colonialism for national independence. In the 1970s, Vietnam hosted several delegations from the ANC and the South African Communist Party to share experience. As of August this year, South Africa remains Vietnam’s first and only “Partnership for Cooperation and Development” (equivalent to a comprehensive partnership) in Africa.
Over the years, the two nations have maintained a good relationship with high political trust. They have conducted regular high-level visits and exchanges, while effectively operating bilateral cooperation mechanisms, such as the Vietnam - South Africa Intergovernmental Partnership Forum, the Joint Trade Committee, and the Defense Policy Dialogue.
Economic, trade, and investment cooperation remains a promising and mutually prioritized area. South Africa is currently Vietnam’s largest trade partner and export market in Africa, with bilateral trade reaching nearly USD 1.8 billion in 2024. South Africa is also an important supplier of coal, ores, and minerals to Vietnam. As of July 2025, South Africa had 20 valid investment projects in Vietnam with a total capital of USD 0.88 million, ranking 109th out of 151 countries and territories investing in Vietnam. Conversely, Vietnam has four investment projects in South Africa, worth USD 8.86 million, ranking 45th among 84 countries and territories where Vietnam has outbound investments.
The prospects for cooperation between the two countries remain broad in areas, such as mineral exploitation, mechanical engineering, metallurgy, steel production, renewable energy, textiles, footwear, fertilizers, processed foods, and supporting industries. Both sides are actively discussing measures to promote bilateral economic cooperation, including the exchange of potential export lists, market access facilitation, and collaboration in sectors of mutual strength.
In addition, Vietnam and South Africa regularly coordinate and support each other at international organizations and multilateral forums.
Encouraging outcomes in recent years have been reflected through a series of agreements and memoranda of understanding signed between the two nations. Several Vietnamese localities, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hai Phong, have also established cooperative ties with South African cities and provinces.
The Vietnamese leadership and people warmly welcome President Ramaphosa’s state visit, reaffirming the Communist Party and the State of Vietnam’s consistent policy of treasuring the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation with South Africa. The visit also reflects Vietnam’s desire to further strengthen political trust and promote bilateral cooperation in practical areas aligned with both countries’ development goals and interests.
It is strongly believed that the key discussions, concrete outcomes, and agreements reached during President Ramaphosa’s visit will usher in a new, dynamic phase in the Vietnam - South Africa Partnership for Cooperation and Development, bringing tangible benefits to the peoples of both nations.
By Editorial Board of the People's Army Newspaper
Translated by Tran Hoai