This visit, the highest-level engagement to date, opens a new chapter in the Viet Nam–Senegal partnership.
The powerful yet sincere messages of friendship expressed by leaders of both nations through various important activities in Dakar reflect a clear determination to elevate bilateral ties to a new, substantive, and sustainable level.
The dance of hospitality
Upon arrival at the international airport of the host country, Chairman Tran Thanh Man, his spouse, and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation were warmly welcomed. The presence of Senegal’s National Assembly President El Malick Ndiaye at the foot of the aircraft steps, together with lively traditional dances, the rhythmic beating of drums, and the vibrant costumes of artists and locals, created an atmosphere of heartfelt hospitality for the Vietnamese friends.
The official welcome ceremony was held with full honours, including a review of the guard of honour and the playing of both national anthems. The significant presence of Senegalese parliamentary leaders demonstrated the host country’s great respect and meticulous preparation for this historic visit.
During meetings and talks, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, and National Assembly President El Malick Ndiaye conveyed a clear message of Senegal’s desire to strengthen cooperation with Viet Nam, identifying it as a key focus in the country’s South-South cooperation strategy.
President Faye emphasised that Chairman Tran Thanh Man’s visit marked an “important milestone” in enhancing the already warm relations between the two nations, particularly in the context of Senegal's implementation of its "Senegal Vision 2050" strategy.
At both official and side events, Chairman Tran Thanh Man consistently underscored the significance of Africa—especially Senegal—in Viet Nam’s foreign policy.
The outcomes of the talks between the two National Assembly leaders, and the meeting with the Senegalese Prime Minister, resulted in an agreement on key directions to expand cooperation between the two States, Governments, and Parliaments.
Chairman Tran Thanh Man highlighted Viet Nam’s appreciation of Senegal’s strategic position and its active contributions to major regional forums. He expressed the desire to broaden mutually beneficial cooperation in various sectors, including economy, trade, investment, agriculture, telecommunications, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges.
Chairman Tran Thanh Man affirmed: “Viet Nam and Senegal, as two dynamic and potential economies, can serve as gateways for each other’s goods to penetrate deeper into the Southeast Asian and West African markets.”
A pillar for bilateral relations
In the talks, the National Assembly Chairman shared Viet Nam’s recent achievements, notably the transition from a three-tier to a two-tier government model, effective from July 1, 2025—an example of the country’s innovation and reform spirit.
In the spirit of traditional friendship, Chairman Tran Thanh Man extended warm regards from General Secretary To Lam, President Luong Cuong, and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to Senegalese leaders, affirming the importance Viet Nam places on the bilateral relationship and its determination to advance cooperation in a substantive manner.
Viet Nam and Senegal, as two dynamic and potential economies, can serve as gateways for each other’s goods to penetrate deeper into the Southeast Asian and West African markets.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man
A key highlight of the visit was the agreement between the two National Assembly leaders to enhance parliamentary cooperation, recognising it as a strategic pillar of bilateral relations. President El Malick Ndiaye emphasised that “parliamentary diplomacy is a strategic lever” for strengthening Viet Nam–Senegal ties.
Both sides signed a cooperation agreement between the two National Assemblies, committing to promoting high-level delegation exchanges, sharing legislative and oversight experiences, and working together in multilateral parliamentary forums.
The establishment of the Viet Nam–Senegal Friendship Parliamentary Group, chaired by the Vice President of the Senegalese National Assembly and the Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the Vietnamese National Assembly, signifies a major step forward, promising to enhance people-to-people exchanges and lay a legal foundation for comprehensive cooperation in the coming years.
Leaders of both nations also underscored the importance of economic and agricultural cooperation. Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko proposed specific partnerships in areas such as seed breeding, irrigation technology, and the training of agricultural engineers. He also expressed interest in increasing rice imports from Viet Nam to bolster food security.
Chairman Tran Thanh Man affirmed that Viet Nam stands ready to cooperate in developing a comprehensive agricultural strategy. He also suggested that the two sides finalise the legal framework for agreements on investment protection and the avoidance of double taxation to facilitate business activities.
Cultural exchange activities were a highlight of the visit. The rapid growth of Vovinam (Vietnamese martial arts) in Senegal, with more than 3,000 practitioners nationwide, has become an effective cultural bridge between the two peoples. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, himself a Vovinam practitioner, along with other leaders, highly praised the martial art’s role in promoting humanistic, peaceful, and compassionate values.
Welcoming Chairman Tran Thanh Man and his spouse to a martial arts performance, Dr Diomaye Dieng, President of the Vovinam Federation of Senegal, shared: With the philosophy of martial arts training for self-improvement and societal contribution, Vovinam aims to cultivate practitioners into good citizens who actively contribute to national development and serve society.
In Dakar, Nguyen Thi Thanh Nga, spouse of the National Assembly Chairman, had a meaningful engagement visiting the ESTEL Centre for the Support of Children and Youth with Intellectual Disabilities. The centre helps disadvantaged children integrate into the community and receive vocational-oriented education.
“Our two peoples share a tradition of humanism and compassion for the vulnerable, especially children. I hope Viet Nam and Senegal will strengthen cooperation and share experiences in protecting the underprivileged and people with disabilities,” Nguyen Thi Thanh Nga expressed.
