Vietnam greatly values traditional ties with African nations

Those in attendance at the event included representatives of the embassies of many African countries, including Egypt, Algeria, Angola, Libya, Mozambique, Morocco, South Africa, and Nigeria, along with those of the diplomatic corps in Hanoi and officials from many Vietnamese ministries and sectors.

In his speech, Ngoc highlighted the significance of Africa Day, which marks the foundation of the Organization of African Unity  (OAU), which is now the African Union (AU), exactly 60 years ago.

He hailed the enormous development achievements of Africa over the past years, especially the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and hailed contributions by the AU and people of African nations to the settlement of global challenges to help maintain regional and global peace, stability, cooperation, and development.

The Deputy Minister expressed his confidence that in the near future, Africa will become one of the new growth powerhouses in the world. 

With regard to bilateral ties, Ngoc affirmed Vietnam always treasures the time-honoured cooperation and friendship with African countries, and adding that it stays ready to boost partnerships with African countries in economy, trade, and investment, among others and act as a bridge connecting the AU and the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

He called on African countries to continue supporting Vietnam’s legitimate concerns and interests, and backing each other at multilateral forums such as the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement.

Representing African ambassadors to Vietnam, Moroccan Ambassador Jamale Chouaibi emphasized that relations between Africa and Vietnam took shape during their struggles for national liberation and safeguarding.

He showed his elation at the unceasingly promoted ties between Vietnam and African countries, particularly in trade, investment, tourism, banking, and digital transformation.

Vietnam is among important trading partners of Africa, with last year’s bilateral trade topping US$7 billion, and also a development model for many countries in the continent, the ambassador added.

Palestinian Ambassador Saadi Salama, head of the diplomatic corps in Hanoi, greatly valued the ties between Vietnam and African countries, adding that their connections have been growing across a variety of fields, including politics, trade, investment, agriculture, health care, peace building, and sharing of economic reform experience.

Salama said he believes that the long-standing friendship and solidarity between Vietnam and African nations will grow and flourish for the sake of both sides in the future.