Vietnam, South Sudan hail establishment of diplomatic ties

 

New York (VNA) – Both Vietnam and South Sudan have lauded the significance of the February 21 establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties.

After signing a joint communiqué on the establishment in New York, Vietnam News Agency correspondents in the city interviewed the signatories – Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, head of Vietnam’s mission to the UN, and Ambassador Akuei Bona Malwal, head of South Sudan’s mission to the UN – on the importance of the event and prospects for bilateral cooperation.

Quy shared that the two countries had discussed the establishment of diplomatic relations over the course of last year at the Embassies of Vietnam and South Sudan in Beijing, China.

At present, Vietnam is running a level-2 field hospital in South Sudan which is operating effectively, thus winning high praises from the United Nations and local people there. In addition, Vietnam is preparing to send a group of sappers to the African nation, Quy stated.

According to the ambassador, the two countries have much room to support each other, particularly in economy. Currently, many Vietnamese groups and enterprises are running effective business in southern Africa and can expand their operation in South Sudan to intensify economic ties.

Vietnam can share its experience in economic development with South Sudan, while also requesting the African nation’s support for its candidacy as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in June, he added.

Malwal, in turn, said that South Sudan wants to learn how Vietnam recovered after the war, gaining economic development achievements over such a relatively short period of time.

He spoke highly of Vietnam’s commitments to joining peacekeeping forces and implementing international missions.

A Vietnamese senior delegation is scheduled to visit South Sudan next week and the African country will soon send a delegation to Vietnam, he stated.

The diplomat affirmed that after peace is restored in his country, South Sudan will maintain and development multifaceted cooperation with Vietnam, not only in diplomacy but also socio-economy and culture.

He also suggested the two sides collaborate in agriculture and industry.

With the establishment of diplomatic ties with South Sudan, Vietnam now has diplomatic relations with 54 out of the 55 countries in Africa. –VNA