Hanoi looks to strengthen links with South Africa

Chairman of Hanoi municipal People’s Committee, Nguyen Duc Chung, hosted a reception for South African Ambassador to Vietnam, Mpetjane Kgaogelo Kekgoro, on July 16, during which the two sides discussed issues of common concern.

Chairman of Hanoi municipal People’s Committee, Nguyen Duc Chung (R) and South African Ambassador to Vietnam, Mpetjane Kgaogelo Kekgoro
Chairman of Hanoi municipal People’s Committee, Nguyen Duc Chung (R) and South African Ambassador to Vietnam, Mpetjane Kgaogelo Kekgoro

Mpetjane Kgaogelo Kekgoro said that Vietnam and his country will hold activities to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their diplomatic ties in 2018, which coincides with the centenary of the birth of late President Nelson Mandela.

In October 2018, South Africa will hold an international investment conference to call on potential investors from across the world, he said, expressing hope that many Vietnamese enterprises will attend the event.

For his part, Chung lauded the South African Embassy for its contributions to humanitarian and social activities such as blood donation, and building kindergartens and communal houses in many provinces and cities of Vietnam.

He affirmed that municipal authorities will work with the embassy and the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs to arrange events to mark the 25th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic ties.

Hanoi will also work with South Africa’s diplomatic agency to hold a photo exhibition on the life and career of late President Nelson Mandela in the city throughout the year, Chung revealed.

He hoped that municipal authorities and the embassy will collaborate to end the trafficking of rhino horn and elephant ivory from South Africa to Vietnam.

Chung expressed his belief that the South African diplomat will act as a bridge to promote investment and trade links between the two countries’ enterprises, as well as to help Vietnam attract more tourists from South Africa.