Vietnam is a Responsible Member of the International Community
by Anisha Pemjee - TDS
4 September 2024
The 2nd of September holds great significance for the people of Vietnam. It was on this day in 1945 that the Socialist Republic of Vietnam came into being. It was also on the same day 24 years later that Ho Chi Minh, who led Vietnam’s war for independence, departed this world.
Ambassador Hoang Sy Cuong of Vietnam to South Africa paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at a reception in Pretoria celebrating the 79th National Day of Vietnam. He echoed President Ho Chi Minh’s hopes and aspirations for a Vietnam of peace, unification and unity and prosperity that became the Vietnamese people’s guide to action at the birth of their new nation.
Among Vietnam’s achievements since independence said Hoang, is its transformation into one of the world’s top forty largest economies. It is ranked among the top twenty largest trading nations, and constitutes a vital link in a network of 16 Free Trade Agreements with 60 key economies in the region and beyond.
Vietnam enjoys extensive diplomatic relations with 193 countries worldwide, including Strategic Partnerships and Comprehensive Partnerships with 30 countries; and is an active member of over 70 regional and international organizations.
Speaking about the strengthening relations with South Africa Hoang said that the bilateral trade turnover has been impressive, consistently reaching around 1.2 billion USD per year over the past five years. “In just the first seven months of this year, statistics indicate that the number has reached 1.1 billion USD, almost equal to the total trade exchange last year. And notably it is for the first time the trade balance has been favourable for the South African side.”
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Joint Declaration between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Government of the Republic of South Africa on Partnership for Cooperation and Development. The 6th meeting of the Vietnam - South Africa Partnership Forum is expected to take place in Pretoria later this year which will unlock greater potentials for stronger cooperation, including trade exchanges, market access and increased investments.
“As far as foreign policy is concerned, Vietnam shares many similarities with and highly appreciates South Africa’s role and its efforts and contributions to the region and the world. We support and look forward to South Africa’s G20 presidency next year, through which we can further recognize the role of SA globally” Hoang said.
Mr. Kenny Morolong, South African Deputy Minister in the Presidency and guest of honour paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh, whose leadership inspired millions of freedom lovers all over the world.
South Africa and Vietnam celebrated 30 years of diplomatic relations last year. The celebrations were marked by the successful visit of Vice-President Ms Xuan to South Africa and Deputy President, Mr Paul Mashatile’s reciprocal visit to Vietnam. The celebrations also included a host of activities in South Africa and in Vietnam spearheaded by the respective embassies in Pretoria and Hanoi. Both Ambassador Hoang and Morolong, however, emphasized that these ties date back much earlier to the landmark Asia-Africa Conference, held in Bandung, Indonesia in 1955.
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On behalf of the people of the Republic of South Africa, Morolong expressed condolences on the recent passing of Mr Nguyễn Phú Trọng, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam who forged ties of friendship and solidarity, and strengthened bilateral relations between the two countries.
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Morolong also congratulated Mr To Lam on his appointment as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and as the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
After successfully concluding its general elections on 29 May 2024, South Africa formed a Government of National Unity (GNU). Morolong said that the priorities of this 7th administration are deeply rooted in South Africa’s values of people centredness, on the construction of an egalitarian society and on progressive constitutionalism.
“We aim to enhance our cooperation with Vietnam, aligning our efforts with the growth-focused strategic objectives of the 7th Government that prioritize inclusive growth, job creation, addressing the high cost of living, and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state,” Morolong said.
In July 2023 South Africa was conferred the status of Sectoral Dialogue Partner with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), advancing the Agenda of the South, through South-South cooperation. Morolong said that as the first African country to be approved to partner with ASEAN, South Africa looks forward to working with ASEAN in a mutually beneficial manner in order to fulfill its vision and that of the African continent. “We will work together to achieve our common objectives, because a secure, integrated, and prosperous Southeast Asia is good for South Africa, good for the African Continent and good for the world,” Morolong said.
Ambassador Hoang assured guests present at the celebration that Vietnam’s s current leadership, led by the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of State, Mr To Lam, consistently and resolutely continue a foreign policy of independence, autonomy, peace, friendship, cooperation, development, and diversification and multilateralisation of external relations. “Vietnam is a friend, a reliable partner, and an active and responsible member of the international community.