President Luong Cuong of Vietnam welcomed President Evariste Ndayishimiye’s visit which he said coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Burundi (April 16, 1975 - 2025), as well as the major celebrations in Vietnam marking the 50th anniversary of national reunification and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the nation.

Cuong expected that Ndayishimiye’s visit would open a new chapter in the friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries.

Vietnam always values its friendship with African countries, including Burundi, which has been a steadfast supporter of Vietnam in its past struggle for national independence as well as in the country’s current development efforts, he told his guest.

Cuong praised the achievements of the Burundian government and its people in maintaining political stability, national harmony, and socio-economic development. He believed that under the leadership of President Ndayishimiye, Burundi would successfully achieve its set goals and contribute even more to peace, stability, and development in the region.

Ndayishimiye for his part conveyed his admiration for Vietnam’s national struggle for independence and was impressed by the remarkable and comprehensive achievements Vietnam has made in socio-economic- development, as well as in enhancing its standing and reputation globally.

Despite the geographical distance, the two peoples are united by deep warmth, friendship, and mutual support, he said.

Ndayishimiye informed his host on Burundi’s socio-economic accomplishments and its contributions to regional organizations. He emphasized that his visit was to reaffirm the commitment of the Burundian government to strengthening and developing friendly relations and cooperation with Vietnam in areas such as investment, agriculture, mining, science and technology, and digital transformation.

He also expressed the desire for both countries to consider establishing permanent diplomatic missions in each other’s countries.

Both sides agreed to enhance high-level delegation exchanges across all channels to strengthen political trust and effectively implement bilateral cooperation mechanisms, especially the Political Consultation mechanism between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs.

They appreciated positive progress in bilateral economic cooperation, especially the success of the Lumitel telecommunications joint venture in Burundi, saying the project is making significant contributions to the country’s economic development and bringing about numerous benefits for the people of both countries.

Both host and guest acknowledged the potential to further increase bilateral trade volume and agreed to promote information exchange about market demands, sectors and investment opportunities, while facilitating connections and cooperation between businesses of the two countries. They also emphasized the diversification of trade items and the creation of favourable conditions for market access for key import-export goods.

Recognizing the vast potential for bilateral cooperation, the two leaders agreed to continue focusing on cooperation in areas of mutual strength, particularly agriculture, sharing development experiences, and actively negotiating and signing cooperation documents to improve the legal framework and facilitate the implementation of cooperation activities.

On this occasion, Cuong hoped that Ndayishimiye would continue to support and create favourable conditions for the Lumitel joint venture in Burundi and for other Vietnamese enterprises to operate and do business stably and sustainably in the country.

During the talks, the two leaders also discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Cuong highly valued Burundi’s contributions and Ndayishimiye’s efforts in his role as First Vice-Chairperson of the African Union (AU) in 2025, as well as his leadership in coordinating the AU’s Framework for Youth, Peace, and Security.

The two leaders agreed to strengthen coordination, cooperation, and mutual support in international organizations, multilateral forums, and inter-regional platforms, particularly at the United Nations and within the Non-Aligned Movement.

Ndayishimiye expressed Burundi’s readiness to act as a bridge and support Vietnam in strengthening cooperation with the African Union and establishing relations with the East African Community.

Regarding the East Sea issue, Cuong urged Burundi to support ASEAN’s stance on resolving maritime disputes through peaceful means, based on respect for international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and ASEAN's efforts to make the East Sea a sea of peace, stability, cooperation, and sustainable development.

At the end of the talks, Ndayishimiye extended an invitation to Cunog for an official visit to Burundi in the near future, and the invitation was accepted with pleasure.

Immediately after the talks, the two Presidents witnessed the signing of a framework agreement on cooperation between the two governments and a memorandum of understanding on establishing a political and diplomatic consultation mechanism.

Burundi President Ndayishimiye warmly welcomed in Hanoi on official visit

VOV.VN - President Luong Cuong and his spouse hosted a welcoming ceremony in Hanoi on April 4 morning for President of Burundi Evariste Ndayishimiye and his spouse who arrived in Hanoi on April 3 evening for an official visit to Vietnam.