Hanoi (VNA) – At the invitation of State President Luong Cuong, South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa is set to pay a state visit to Vietnam on October 23-24. This marks the first visit by a South African head of state to Vietnam in nearly two decades, and represents a historic milestone that is expected to advance bilateral relations to a new phase of deeper and more substantive cooperation.
Over three decades of strong traditional friendship
Vietnam and South Africa officially established diplomatic relations on December 22, 1993, though joint work between the two countries dates back to the 1960s. The Communist Party of Vietnam and the African National Congress (ANC) forged solidarity, friendship and mutual support during their respective struggles against colonialism and for national independence.
Over the past three decades, bilateral relations have developed positively across all channels – Party, State, and people-to-people exchanges. Notably, South Africa was the first African country with which Vietnam established a partnership for cooperation and development, equivalent to a comprehensive partnership. The two sides have maintained strong political and diplomatic momentum through regular delegation exchanges at various levels, including high-level visits and cooperation across Party, State, parliamentary, ministerial, and locality-to-locality channels. They also continue to promote people-to-people exchanges to deepen mutual understanding and solidarity.
Vietnam and South Africa currently operate several bilateral cooperation mechanisms, including the inter-governmental partnership forum, the political consultation between the two foreign ministries, the joint trade committee, and the defence policy dialogue. In addition, major Vietnamese cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hai Phong have established cooperative ties with South African localities. The two nations have regularly coordinated and supported each other at international organisations and multilateral forums. Recently, South Africa supported Vietnam’s bids to become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (2020–2021), a member of the UN Human Rights Council (2023–2025), and a member of the World Heritage Committee (2023–2027).
Strong potential for economic-trade cooperation
South Africa is currently Vietnam’s leading trade and export partner in Africa. Bilateral trade has risen from 192 million USD in 2007 to 1.72 billion USD in 2024.
Vietnam’s main exports to South Africa include electronics, mobile phones and components, textiles, footwear, and agricultural products, while its imports consist of minerals (notably coal), fruit, timber, and chemicals.
As of July 2025, South Africa had 20 valid investment projects in Vietnam, with a total registered capital of 0.88 million USD, ranking 109th among 151 countries and territories investing in Vietnam. Meanwhile, Vietnam has four investment projects in South Africa with total capital of 8.86 million USD, making the latter 45th among 84 countries and territories in which Vietnam has overseas investments.
Both sides see great potential for cooperation in areas such as renewable and green energy, climate finance, e-commerce, banking and finance, science and technology, innovation, and tourism. The Vietnamese community in South Africa currently numbers around 200 people, living and studying across several major cities.
According to Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson for the South African President, President Ramaphosa’s state visit to Vietnam is expected to elevate bilateral relations and foster a surge in two-way trade. From South Africa’s perspective, the trip will help advance its strategy to diversify trade and expand access to existing markets.
Meanwhile, Vietnamese Ambassador to South Africa Hoang Sy Cuong stated that the visit will provide an important opportunity for both countries to affirm their close and multifaceted cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels. Their leaders are expected to review and outline new directions for stronger comprehensive ties, particularly in economy, trade, and investment./.
