President Ramaphosa Commends Vietnam’s Progress And Calls For Stronger South–South Cooperation During State Visit To Hanoi

23 October 2025 | Hanoi, Vietnam – President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed Vietnam’s remarkable progress and reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties during his official talks with President Luong Cuong in Hanoi on Thursday.

In his opening remarks at the plenary session, President Ramaphosa congratulated the Government and people of Vietnam on the country’s 80th anniversary of independence — a milestone he described as a “testament to the resilience, unity, and progress of the Vietnamese people.”

The meeting brought together key ministers from both nations, including those responsible for Defence, Trade, Agriculture, Justice, Mineral Resources, and Police. President Ramaphosa noted that this broad participation “reflects the shared commitment of South Africa and Vietnam to deepening cooperation across a wide range of strategic sectors.”

Elevating Bilateral Relations

President Ramaphosa welcomed Vietnam’s proposal to elevate the current Comprehensive Partnership to a Strategic Partnership, emphasizing that this development “will unlock new opportunities for structured collaboration, enhance institutional engagement, and position our partnership to respond more effectively to global and regional challenges.”

He highlighted the growing importance of Southeast Asia to South Africa and the African continent, and conversely, the significance of Africa to Vietnam’s expanding global role.

Strengthening Global and Regional Cooperation

The talks come at a time when South Africa holds the Chair of the G20, with President Ramaphosa noting his anticipation of Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s participation in the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg this November.

“Vietnam’s presence will enrich the dialogue and reinforce the importance of inclusive multilateralism and South–South cooperation in shaping a more equitable global order,” President Ramaphosa said.

As the incoming Chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), South Africa is intensifying efforts to promote regional integration and economic development. President Ramaphosa invited Vietnamese investors to explore the vast opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which provides access to a market of over 1.4 billion people.

“South Africa, as a gateway to the continent, is well positioned to serve as a strategic base for Vietnamese investment and trade expansion into Africa,” he affirmed.

South–South Trade as a Strategic Imperative

Amid rising global trade tensions and tariff impositions by major economies, President Ramaphosa underscored the urgency of enhancing South–South trade and cooperation.

“Expanding market access and strengthening economic ties between South Africa and Vietnam is both a strategic imperative and a practical response to shifting global dynamics,” he said. “Our partnership can help build more resilient and diversified economies and unlock new opportunities for inclusive growth.”

Digital Governance and Global Leadership

President Ramaphosa also congratulated Vietnam for hosting the signing ceremony of the United Nations Convention on Cybercrime, commending the country’s “leading role in global digital governance.”

He described the event as a historic moment that reflects the world’s collective determination to manage rapid technological change responsibly and to promote human development. South Africa’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development will sign the Convention on behalf of the nation.

A Shared Vision for Peace and Prosperity

Concluding his remarks, President Ramaphosa urged both countries to “reaffirm shared values, strengthen strategic alignment, and build a partnership that contributes meaningfully to peace, prosperity, and sustainable development.”

The state visit to Vietnam forms part of President Ramaphosa’s three-nation tour of Southeast Asia aimed at deepening political, economic, and cultural relations between South Africa and the region.