International Relations

Meeting Between South African and Vietnamese Presidents

On Thu, Oct 12, 2023, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa met with Vietnamese President Luong Cuong in Hanoi. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties between South Africa and Vietnam.

Strategic Partnership Discussion

President Ramaphosa announced the initiation of a process to elevate the bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership. This move is part of South Africa’s export diversification strategy.

Trade and Economic Cooperation

Vietnam is identified as a key partner for South Africa, with noted growth in trade and investment. Vietnam is South Africa’s largest trade and export partner in Africa.

• Two-way trade increased from $192 million in 2007 to $1.72 billion in 2024, according to Vietnamese government statistics.

Historical Context

This marks the first visit to Vietnam by a South African President in approximately two decades.