High expectations ahead of President Luong Cuong’s upcoming trip to Africa
VOV.VN - The upcoming trip to Egypt and Angola from August 3 to 9 by President Luong Cuong and his spouse is expected to usher in a new chapter in Vietnam’s relations with African countries, while reaffirming the country’s growing international role, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Hang.

Deputy Minister Hang, in her interview granted to local media agencies, said the trip holds special significance not only for bilateral ties, but also for broader strategic diplomacy. It reflects Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralization, and diversification.
“In previous years, we had limited opportunities to exchange high-level delegations with our African friends. However, we are now pleased to see that relations with the Middle East–Africa region are flourishing, with high-level visits taking place more actively and vibrantly,” noted the diplomat.
Amid global economic and trade uncertainties, she said, the trip the trip represents a concrete step in Vietnam’s effort to diversify its markets and international partners. With a population of 1.5 billion, a rapidly growing middle class, and abundant natural resources, Africa is becoming an increasingly important player in the global economy. Tapping into this potential, she said, will significantly contribute to Vietnam’s growth target of 8.3–8.5% in 2025 and double-digit growth in the coming years.
Deputy Minister Hang emphasiaed that in modern diplomacy, economic diplomacy for development is a top priority. Strengthening Vietnam’s business presence in Africa, especially in telecommunications, energy, agriculture, and green transition, is a strategic direction.
Both Egypt and Angola are considered Vietnam’s leading partners with strategic roles in Africa. Egypt holds a critical geopolitical position and is one of the most influential countries in the Middle East, Africa, and the Arab world. It also hosts the headquarters of the Arab League. Meanwhile, Angola currently serves as Chair of the African Union (AU), comprising 54 member states, and plays an important role at the United Nations and other multilateral forums.
Notably, the President’s visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Angola (1975–2025), marking a milestone in the long-standing friendship nurtured since the national liberation struggles.
The trip, according to Hang, sends a strong policy message to African countries and, more broadly, to international partners and friends: that Vietnam is assuming a more prominent role and position globally, and is confidently advancing into a new era.
Through bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, Vietnam continues to establish itself as a proactive and responsible global partner. Since 2023, Vietnam has served as an observer of the African Union, and its peacekeeping forces have made important contributions in hotspots like South Sudan and the Central African Republic, earning widespread recognition from the United Nations and host communities.
“Therefore, the President’s trip to Africa underscores Vietnam’s new outlook and determination to play a more proactive role in promoting peace, cooperation, and development both on the continent and globally,” remarked the diplomat.
President Luong Cuong is expected to deliver important policy speeches at the Arab League and the National Assembly of Angola, reaffirming Vietnam’s commitment to contributing more to global governance, economic development, and human progress—an ambition repeatedly emphasised by General Secretary To Lam.
Expressing optimism about the future of Vietnam’s relations with Egypt, Angola, and Africa in general, Deputy Minister Nguyen Minh Hang said the President’s trip would be a catalyst to elevate bilateral ties. It is expected to lay a new framework for political trust, expand cooperation in mutual areas of interest, such as digital transformation, education, health, labour, green energy, climate change response, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, and promote mutually beneficial business opportunities.
“As Vietnam is enhancing its multilateral diplomacy, the President’s trip will also help mobilise greater support from Egypt, Angola, and other African friends for Vietnam’s active role at the United Nations and global forums, while strengthening ASEAN’s cooperation with both the Arab League and the African Union,” said the diplomat.
Beyond official engagements, the visit also aims to strengthen support for the Vietnamese communities in Egypt and Angola. The Vietnamese government hopes local authorities will facilitate better conditions for overseas Vietnamese to integrate, thrive, and contribute to both host countries and bilateral relations.