Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son hosted a reception for Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa Ronald Lamola in Hanoi, on October 22, according to a report from the Government News,
During the reception, the Deputy Prime Minister suggested South Africa support and closely work with Vietnam in promoting negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), contributing to realizing the goal of raising bilateral trade turnover to $2 billion.
The Deputy Prime Minister hailed South Africa's role and position in the African region, as well as its active participation in multilateral forums.
He expressed the hope that the two sides would continue to support each other at multilateral forums, as well as his belief that South Africa would successfully host the upcoming G20 Summit next month, thereby contributing to promoting global economic growth between developed and developing economies.
Vietnam is committed to making responsible and constructive contributions to the success of the summit, affirmed the Deputy Prime Minister.
Minister Lamola, for his part, said that the President of South Africa speaks highly of Vietnam's role and position both regionally and internationally, and looks forward to his upcoming historic visit to Vietnam, during which he will discuss with the host country’s senior leaders on concrete measures to elevate bilateral relations to a new height.
The two countries have great potential for cooperation, especially in the fields of economy, trade, investment, education, and training, noted Mr. Lamola.
He commended Vietnam for hosting the signing ceremony of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, affirming South Africa's readiness to cooperate with Vietnam in this important area.
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