Building Diplomatic Bridges: Vice-President Vo Thi Anh Xuan’s Historic Visit to South Africa

Enhancing Political and Economic Relations

South Africa recently welcomed H.E. Vo Thi Anh Xuan, Vice President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, in a significant event that marked 30 years of formal diplomatic ties between both nations. The visit emphasized their joint dedication to enriching political and economic relations and boosting regional and multilateral collaboration.

Vice-President Xuan’s time in Pretoria paved the way for productive discussions and agreements between the two countries, resulting in a joint decision to intensify political and diplomatic relations and engagement. Recognizing the importance of this partnership, Deputy President Paul Mashatile accepted an invitation to visit Vietnam soon.

During Vice-President Xuan’s visit, the meetings centered on key aspects of cooperation and examined potential areas for partnership, such as trade and investment, agricultural development, higher education, mineral resources, and energy. Both nations recognized the necessity to increase bilateral trade and strive towards a more balanced and diversified trade relationship, aiming to identify wider market access for value-added products.

Expanding Trade and Economic Cooperation

A notable development during Vice-President Xuan’s visit involved the agreement to speed up market access for South African citrus and Vietnamese products. Both parties encouraged Vietnam to open its market to South African beef and game meat to diversify trade relations further.

To bolster economic cooperation, representatives from various sectors, including coal and mining, energy, and pharmaceuticals, took part in the Roundtable on Vietnam-South Africa Economic Cooperation. Hosted in Pretoria, the event proved highly beneficial for both parties and underscored the importance both nations attach to developing and enhancing their bilateral connections, particularly concerning trade and economic ties.

Deputy President Mashatile expressed his appreciation to the Government of Vietnam for its vital support in assisting South Africa in securing the status of a Sectoral Dialogue Partner (SDP) for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in July 2023. With a population of over 680 million people and a combined GDP of around US$3 trillion, ASEAN presents numerous opportunities for South Africa to deepen its cooperation and growth across various fields.

South Africa, Vietnam, and ASEAN: Unlocking Potential for Growth

These fields encompass geopolitics (South-South Cooperation), trade, economy, infrastructure development, technology transfer, education, science, innovation, and tourism. Further collaboration between South Africa and ASEAN holds immense potential for mutual growth and development.

Vice-President Xuan’s official visit highlights the significance both countries place on nurturing and advancing their bilateral ties. The discussions held during her visit to South Africa were marked by optimism and a mutual commitment to establishing stronger connections between the two nations.

As the global community faces the challenges of the 21st century, reinforcing diplomatic ties between countries becomes increasingly important. Vice-President Xuan’s visit to South Africa bears witness to the dedication of both nations to enhancing cooperation, setting the stage for future collaboration and mutual growth. With their shared commitment to addressing pressing global issues, South Africa and Vietnam continue to march forward, side by side, towards a more prosperous and interconnected world.