The South African Embassy in Vietnam held a ceremony in Hanoi on April 23 to celebrate the 20 th anniversary of the country’s Freedom Day (April 27, 1994).

South African Ambassador Kgomotso Ruth Magau said the lives of millions of people in the country have changed since 1994, and South Africa is working to build a society of solidarity that brings better lives to all citizens.

She affirmed that Vietnam is one of her country’s important trade partners in Asia . Both sides are making all efforts to foster their friendship and seek cooperation opportunities in all fields, especially trade and industry.

At the function, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Cao Duc Phat said Vietnam is delighted at South Africa ’s achievements in the national construction and development over recent time.

He voiced his belief that South Africa , with its strength in finance, trade, science-technology and natural resources, will reap greater achievements in the future, contributing to the regional and international peace and stability.

Vietnam and South Africa established their diplomatic links in 1993.

Their two-way trade hit 920 million USD in 2013 from 722.6 million USD in 2012, according to the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry.-VNA