Hanoi looks to strengthen links with South Africa

Chairman of Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Chung on July 16 hosted a reception for South African Ambassador to Vietnam Mpetjane Kgaogelo Kekgoro, during which the two sides discussed issues of common concern.
Hanoi looks to strengthen links with South Africa ảnh 1Chairman of Hanoi People’s Committee  Nguyen Duc Chung (R) and South African Ambassador to Vietnam Mpetjane Kgaogelo Kekgoro at the reception (Source: hanoimoi.com.vn)

Hanoi (VNA) - Chairman of Hanoi People’sCommittee  Nguyen Duc Chung on July 16hosted a reception for South African Ambassador to Vietnam Mpetjane KgaogeloKekgoro, during which the two sides discussed issues of common concern.

Mpetjane Kgaogelo Kekgoro said that Vietnam and his country will holdactivities to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their diplomaticties in 2018, which coincides with late President Nelson Mandela's 100th birthday.

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

For his part, Chung lauded the South AfricanEmbassy for its contributions to humanitarian and social activities in manyprovinces and cities of Vietnam such as blood donation, building kindergartens andcommunal houses.

He affirmed municipal authorities will work with the embassy and the VietnameseMinistry 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 photoexhibition on the life and career of late President Nelson Mandela in the cityin the year, Chung revealed.

He hoped that municipal authorities and theembassy will collaborate to end rhino horn and elephant ivory trafficking fromSouth Africa to Vietnam.

Chung expressed his belief that the SouthAfrican diplomat will be a bridge to promote investment and trade links betweenthe two countries’ enterprises, as well as to help Vietnam attract more touristsfrom South Africa.-VNA
VNA

See more

Dr Nguyen Thi Lan, Chairwoman of the Vietnamese Association in Chongqing and Sichuan (Photo published by VNA)

New impetus for overseas Vietnamese communities

On August 2, 2026, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President To Lam signed the resolution, marking an important shift after more than two decades of implementing Politburo Resolution No. 36-NQ/TW. It affirms that the overseas group is an inseparable part of the nation and one of the country’s important strategic resources, contributing to strengthening national collective power.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung (centre) holds high-level phone talks with his Dutch counterpart Rob Jetten on August 11. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Netherlands to deepen cooperation, elevate Comprehensive Partnership

Congratulating the Netherlands on its achievements in socio-economic development and foreign affairs, PM Hung thanked the country for considering Vietnam as one of its leading strategic partners in the region under its new foreign policy. He affirmed that Vietnam attaches importance to and wants to further deepen its multifaceted cooperation with the Netherlands.

Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lt. Gen. Nguyen Van Gau (right) and US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Michael George DeSombre at their meeting on August 10 (Photo published by VNA)

Vietnam, US step up cooperation in search for missing Vietnamese soldiers

A Vietnamese official proposed that the US continue increasing resources for dioxin remediation at Bien Hoa and Phu Cat airbases, expand projects supporting people with disabilities, enhance the sharing of historical data, provide DNA technology assistance and continue close coordination in the search for missing US service members and Vietnamese soldiers.

Trinh Van Quyet (left), member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee, Secretary of the CPV Central Committee and Chairman of its Commission for Publicity, and Australian Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Matt Thistlethwaite at their meeting in Canberra on August 11, 2026 (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Australia seek to forge stronger bonds

The two sides highlighted the progress in the Vietnam–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and discussed measures to boost cooperation in areas with considerable potential, including communications, digital trade, cybersecurity, education and people-to-people exchanges.

The executive board of the Vietnam–Spain Friendship Association for the 2026–2031 term makes debut at the congress. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam–Spain Friendship Association looks to strengthen people-to-people ties

Nguyen Duc Loi, President of the Vietnam–Spain Friendship Association for the 2021–2026 term, said Vietnam–Spain relations have continued to develop positively across various fields, with political ties increasingly strengthened and cooperation in trade, education, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.

At a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of Vietnam - New Zealand diplomatic ties in Ho Chi Minh City in 2025 (Photo: VNA)

Lifting Vietnam-New Zealand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to new level

The trip comes as bilateral ties are growing on a foundation of strong political trust and mounting strategic confidence. It carries historic significance as the first state visit to New Zealand by a top Vietnamese Party and State leader, a signal of Vietnam’s high regard and priority for New Zealand - a vital and effective Comprehensive Strategic Partner in the region, and an affirmation of Vietnam’s growing interest in the South Pacific.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam (L) shakes hands with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (Photo: VNA)

Party General Secretary and President To Lam, Australian Prime Minister meet the press

Vietnam and Australia will step up cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, digital technology, cybersecurity, green technology and emerging technologies, while supporting each other in enhancing capacity to participate more deeply in regional and global supply chains. The two sides will also strengthen cooperation in education and training and people-to-people exchanges.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (R) welcomes General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee and President To Lam in Canberra on August 11, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Top Vietnamese leader holds talks with Australian PM

PM Albanese welcomed General Secretary and President Lam and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation on their state visit to Australia, stressing its signficance amid the rapidly growing ties, particularly since the two countries elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in March 2024.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President of Vietnam To Lam meets with President of the Australian Senate Sue Lines and Speaker of the House of Representatives Milton Dick in Canberra on August 11, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Top leader meets with Australian Senate President, House Speaker

Welcoming General Secretary and President To Lam and the Vietnamese high-ranking delegation, the Australian parliamentary leaders spoke highly of Vietnam’s development achievements and expressed their admiration for the dynamism and creativity of the country and its people, particularly young Vietnamese.