Vast potential for Vietnam–South Africa cooperation: Party chief

Consolidating traditional friendship between the two Parties and countries

On the morning of May 20, 2025, at the Party Central Committee Headquarters, Party General Secretary To Lam received Nomvula Mokonyane, First Deputy Secretary-General of South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC), who is visiting Vietnam from May 17 to 22.

General Secretary To Lam received First Deputy Secretary General of South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC), Nomvula Mokonyane. (Photo: VNA)

General Secretary To Lam warmly welcomed the high-level ANC delegation, highlighting the significance of the visit, which coincides with several major national celebrations in Vietnam, including the 50th anniversary of national reunification, the 135th birthday of President Ho Chi Minh, and the upcoming 80th anniversary of National Day on September 2. He described the visit as a vivid symbol of the deep-rooted solidarity between the two Parties and people.

Emphasizing the promising outlook following his recent high-level phone call with ANC Chairperson and President Cyril Ramaphosa in April, General Secretary To Lam said the ongoing visit by Mokonyane reaffirmed the commitment and resolve to advance bilateral relations in a more substantive and effective manner. He expressed confidence that under ANC leadership, South Africa’s Government of National Unity would continue to achieve its development goals and further elevate the country’s regional and international standing.

In response, First Deputy Secretary-General Mokonyane conveyed President Ramaphosa’s greetings to General Secretary To Lam and the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam. She reaffirmed the deep historical ties between the two Parties, rooted in the common struggle for national liberation, and voiced admiration for Vietnam and President Ho Chi Minh. She shared her personal emotional experience of visiting the Mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh—whom she described as a towering symbol of independence and national pride.

Strategic, multilateral, and sustainable cooperation

Mokonyane briefed the General Secretary on the outcomes of her meeting with Permanent Member of the Party Central Committee Secretariat Tran Cam Tu on May 19, during which both sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the ANC. She underscored the MoU’s political importance and stressed the need for substantive cooperation moving forward.

The General Secretary hopes to soon welcome ANC Chairman and South African President Ramaphosa to visit Vietnam. (Photo: VNA)

The ANC official also extended an invitation for senior Vietnamese leaders to attend the G20 Political Parties Conference and the G20 Summit, which South Africa will host in November 2025.

General Secretary To Lam expressed appreciation for President Ramaphosa’s warm sentiments and invitation, and affirmed Vietnam’s support for the successful organization of the G20 Summit. He confirmed that Vietnam would send senior leaders to participate in the high-level event.

The Party chief also reiterated his hope to welcome President Ramaphosa on an official visit to Vietnam in the near future, in order to further consolidate political trust and elevate bilateral ties.

Welcoming the signing of the MoU, General Secretary To Lam called for both Parties to develop specific implementation plans, with a focus on strengthening inter-Party cooperation, sharing experiences in leadership and Party-building, and expanding training programs—particularly for young Party cadres.

Beyond political ties, both leaders agreed to promote cooperation in key strategic areas, notably in economy, trade, and investment, which they identified as central pillars of the bilateral relationship. They acknowledged the significant untapped potential in these sectors and emphasized the need to harness it more effectively.

The two sides also exchanged views and reached consensus on various international issues of mutual concern, reaffirming the active roles of both Vietnam and South Africa in promoting peace, justice, development, and prosperity in their respective regions and globally. Both Parties pledged to continue supporting one another at multilateral forums, especially within the framework of the United Nations.