President Luong Cuong was speaking while delivering an important policy speech before the National Assembly of Angola in Luanda on August 7.

He noted that the world is currently undergoing profound transformations. The global order is rapidly shifting toward multipolarity, multi-centrism, and multi-layered structures. While peace, cooperation, and development remain the prevailing trends and shared aspirations of all peoples, the world still faces considerable challenges.

He highlighted the strategic importance of Asia and Africa that face numerous potential conflicts and endure the pressures of great power geopolitical competition. These regions are also confronted with serious challenges related to water security and food security, which threaten to reverse hard-won development gains.

“Peace is both a burning aspiration and a prerequisite for development,” the President emphasised, stating “In today’s complex global landscape, Vietnam believes that all nations must show clear responsibility in preserving global peace, uphold multilateralism, and respect the UN Charter, international law, and universally accepted norms of conduct.”

Affirming the longstanding friendship between the two countries, President Cuong called on Vietnam and Angola to work together to promote South–South cooperation, contributing positively to building a fair and equitable global political and economic order based on international law.

He underscored the need for continued close collaboration, upholding peace, safeguarding independence and sovereignty, and deepening international solidarity and cooperation on the basis of goodwill, equality, and mutual respect.

According to the President, Vietnam, in its overall foreign policy, attaches great importance to expanding comprehensive cooperation with Africa, especially with Angola, a traditional and fraternal partner. Both countries should elevate their relations to become a model for South–South cooperation.

To do this, he proposed that both side strengthen political trust, enhance economic, trade, and investment cooperation, promote people-to-people exchanges, expand cooperation in strategic sectors, including healthcare, education, agriculture, and digital transformation, and boost collaboration at regional and international forums, especially between the African Union (AU) and ASEAN.

The President noted that Vietnam and Angola are both dynamic emerging economies in their respective regions. Vietnamese enterprises operating in telecommunications, oil and gas, agriculture, and mining have established effective operations in several African countries. He expressed hope that Angola’s government and legislature will create favourable conditions for Vietnamese businesses to expand their investment and operations, contributing to Angola’s economic development and to bilateral ties.

“I firmly believe that with stronger trade promotion and business connectivity, we can raise bilateral trade turnover to US$1 billion in the near future,” he stated. “Strengthening people-to-people exchanges will further solidify the foundation of our relationship.”

President Cuong also emphasised that Vietnam is a safe, friendly, and attractive destination. He warmly welcomed Angolan friends to visit and experience Vietnam as their second home.

The President praised Angola’s international role, especially as the Chair of the African Union (AU) in 2025, and its many initiatives to promote peace and security across Africa. Vietnam, having become an Observer of the AU in December 2023, and a contributor to UN peacekeeping missions in Africa since 2014, stands ready to support Angola in building ties between Africa and ASEAN.

He called on Angola to support Vietnam in deepening practical cooperation with the AU, especially in priority areas under the AU’s Agenda 2063, such as peace and security, agriculture, education, health, and digital transformation.

Vietnam will also assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2029, and is committed to helping Angola and African regional organisations strengthen relations with ASEAN and its member states.

In closing, President Cuong emphasised that over the past five decades of shared journey, Vietnam and Angola have overcome historical upheavals with enduring solidarity, loyalty, and friendship. He expressed strong confidence that bilateral relations would continue to flourish in a sustainable and substantive manner, serving the interests of both peoples and contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity in both regions and around the world.

Vietnam and Angola to build model for South-South cooperation in Africa

VOV.VN - Vietnam and Angola have agreed to strengthen their partnership and develop it into a model for South-South cooperation on the African continent.