South Africa wishes to elevate ties with Vietnam

The Vietnam National Assembly’s Committee for External Affairs' delegation at a meeting in South Africa. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – The Republic of South Africa wants to elevate relations with Vietnam to strategic partnership.

The intention was delivered by Siphoseze Masango, Chairperson of the South African Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, during a recent meeting with a Vietnamese delegation from the Vietnam National Assembly’s Committee for External Affairs.

He continued lauding the visit in boosting engagement between the two National Assemblies in bilateral and multilateral issues.

He said he was impressed by Vietnam’s comprehensive development, particularly in poverty alleviation.

Room for Vietnam-South Africa cooperation remains extensive in trade, education, tourism and people exchanges, he added.

Siphoseze Masango congratulated Vietnam on well organising the 132nd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Hanoi earlier this year, highlighting this as a proof of the country’ active role in the union.

Leading the Vietnamese delegation, Deputy Head of the NA’s Committee for External Affairs Ngo Duc Manh took the occasion to praise the contribution of South African NA Chairwoman Baleka Mbete to IPU 132’s success and invite her to visit Vietnam.

Both sides agreed to enhance liaison between their agencies as well as exchanges of NA delegations.

During its three-day visit starting on December 7, the Vietnamese delegation also visit the Vietnam Embassy and members of the South Africa Communist Party’s Central Committee in Cape Town, among other activities.-VNA