Vietnam, African Union establish diplomatic ties
VOV.VN - Vietnam aspires to bolster co-operation with the African Union (AU) in the areas of politics, diplomacy, economics, trade, investment, and culture, as well as in UN peacekeeping operations in Africa.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Ethiopia Nguyen Nam Tien made the statement while presenting his letter of credentials to Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson of the African Union Commission, in Addis Ababa on December 15, marking the official establishment of Vietnam-AU diplomatic relations.
The diplomat went on to affirm the Vietnamese side’s readiness to make more direct and proactive contributions to the AU's common effort for African integration, prosperity, and peace, that is promoted by the African people themselves and represents a dynamic force within the global arena.
Ambassador Tien added that he will do his utmost to elevate co-operative ties between the nation and the AU to new heights.
The diplomat briefed the host on the country’s recent achievements, saying that the Vietnamese side has established diplomatic ties with 189 out of 193 UN members and trade relations with more than 230 economies. It is currently the fourth largest economy in the ASEAN and 37th in the world. The agricultural sector, which is the driving force of the country's economy, has contributed to ensuring national food security whilst creating jobs for millions of workers, thereby contributing to poverty reduction and social welfare, he added.
In Africa, the nation has set up diplomatic ties with 54 out of 55 countries and will soon establish diplomatic relations with Malawi.
Mahamat hailed the achievements the country has obtained in national construction and development, while highlighting its important role in ASEAN.
He outlined his belief that moving forward, Vietnam will make greater contributions to Agenda 2063 for the cause of peace and security in Africa, thereby contributing to strengthening all-round ties between the country and Africa.
Ambassador Tien used the occasion to convey President Vo Van Thuong’s invitation to the chairperson of the AU Commission to visit Vietnam in the near future.
