Vietnam, South Africa share experience in ethnic minority affairs

Minister-Chairman of the Government Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs Giang Seo Phu paid a working visit to South Africa from August 22-29 to learn experience in minority affairs and seek ways to boost bilateral cooperation on these issues.

A working session was held on August 25 with South African Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Pravin Gordhan, who regarded the visit as an important contribution to strengthening the traditional friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

He praised Vietnam’s achievements in poverty reduction, particularly its efforts in supporting and caring for people belonging to ethnic minority groups.

South African Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Pravin Gordhan (left) receiving gift from Vietnamese Minister-Chairman of the Government Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs Giang Seo Phu.

Godhan said the majority of the South African population is disadvantaged in some way or another, adding that the South African Government has set targets in its national development plan for improving the economic capacity by 2030.

Minister-Chairman Giang Seo Phu noted that Vietnam and South Africa share many similarities regarding ethnic minorities, who contribute immensely to the unique traditional culture of each country.

He said his visit aims to exchange information and learn from South Africa ’s experience in preserving and optimising cultural values.

The two sides discussed respective challenges in protecting and promoting the diversity of ethnic minority cultures and languages.

They also studied each other’s policies and the coordination mechanisms between state agencies supporting ethnic minorities, particularly in education and health care.

They also agreed to enhance information sharing in the future and exchange delegations more frequently.

During his stay, Giang Seo Phu met with a number of South African leading officials in relevant departments and agencies.

On August 27, he met Lechesa Tsenoli, Deputy Speaker of the South African National Assembly and member of the South African Communist Party’s Central Committee, to discuss the role that the parliament plays in caring for ethnic minorities.

They also agreed to meet more regularly to share information and experience.