Deputy President Mashatile to host Vice President Xuan of Vietnam for an Official Visit to South Africa

His Excellency Deputy President Paul Shipokosa Mashatile will on Friday, 15 September 2023, host his counterpart, Her Excellency Ms Vo Thi Anh Xuan, Vice-President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, on an Official Visit to South Africa. 

The Official Visit occurs within the context of the commemoration of thirty (30) years of diplomatic relations between South Africa and Vietnam, to reinvigorate and further strengthen the ties of friendship and solidarity between the two countries as well as to further consolidate the multifaceted partnership.

South Africa and Vietnam enjoy friendly and constructive relations grounded in a shared history of struggle for freedom and common values supportive of the agenda of the Global South.   

The Official Visit presents an opportunity to highlight the excellent relations between the two countries and to foster closer ties with the Government and people of Vietnam.

The bilateral mechanisms between the two countries include the Inter-Governmental Partnership Forum for Economic, Trade, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Co-operation and the Joint Technical Committee, which serve as a vehicle to review bilateral relations and identify priority areas for technical cooperation. 

Total bilateral trade between South Africa and Vietnam amounted to R23,8 billion in 2022. The trade balance is in favour of Vietnam.   

The focus areas for discussions between the two governments will include trade, investment, promotion of agricultural products, market access, as well as cooperation in higher education, mineral resources and energy and exchanges on regional and multilateral issues.

Vice President Xuan will be accompanied by the Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Industry and Trade, Agriculture and Rural Development, Planning and Investment, Education and Training; Senior Government; Senior Leaders of the Communist Party of Vietnam and a Business delegation.

Members of the media are invited to cover the visit as follows:

Date: Friday, 15 September 2023
Time: 08h30 
Venue: Sefako M Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse, Tshwane

Members of the media covering the visit are requested to confirm their attendance, for accreditation purposes, with Mr Pontsho Mantlhakga on pontshom@presidency.gov.za or 081 589 4369.

Media enquiries: Mr Vukani Mde, Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 081 307 9233

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria