VN regards South Africa as a top partner in Africa

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc welcomes South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Maite Nkoana Mashabane at the Government Office in Ha Noi on September 6, 2017. Photo: VGP

Expressing his pleasure at positve advancement of the bilateral trade and economic ties, the Government chief suggested both countries accelerate the exchange of delegations at all channels and expressed his hope that South African President Jacob Zuma would soon pay an official visit to Viet Nam.

PM Phuc called on the two countries to continue mutual support at international forums and sign agreements to strengthen cooperation and strive to raise the two-way trade value to at least US$2 billion in the years to come.

He took the occasion to express thanks to South Africa for supporting Viet Nam to win a seat on the United Nations Security Council in the tenure 2020-2021.

The Vietnamese leader also called on South Africa to back Viet Nam’s candidacy for the post of UNESCO Director-General.

For her part, Minister Mashabane conveyed President Jacob Zuma’s greetings to PM Phuc.

She said both countries have enjoyed long-lasting friendship and cooperation and shared many historical similarities.

The South African diplomat said her visit to Viet Nam aims to boost friendship and cooperation and share development experience with Viet Nam./.

By Quang Minh