President Tran Dai Quang (R) and South African Vice President Cyril Ramaphosa

He expressed the view at a reception for visiting South African Vice President Cyril Ramaphosa in Hanoi on October 4.

He called on South Africa to continue backing the candidacy of the Vietnamese Ambassador and the President’s Special Envoy for the post of UNESCO General Director for 2017-2021, as well as the country’s efforts to run for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council during the 2020-2021 tenure.

The host suggested the African country share its experience in joining the UN peace-keeping operations, transfer technologies in areas of its strength and continue teaching English for Vietnamese officials.

President Quang noted his hope that the two countries will enhance their collaboration in managing and exploiting sea resources.

He urged South African businesses to send more teams to research the market in Vietnam as the country now hosts only three South African firms.

In reply, Vice President Cyril Ramaphosa stressed that his visit to Vietnam aims to strengthen and expand the bilateral partnership for cooperation and development.

He informed host about the outcomes of his talks with Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh, saying the two sides agreed to forge affiliation between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the African National Congress (ANC).

The guest also talked about his tour of the northern port city of Hai Phong the same day, where he suggested Vietnam assist his country in shipbuilding, maritime transportation and aquaculture.

South Africa will continue its support for Vietnam at international forums, especially at the UN, he stated.

South African Vice President tours Hai Phong 

South Africa wishes to learn from Hai Phong’s experience in developing the maritime economy and building ships, South African Vice President Cyril Ramaphosa said during his tour of the northern port city.

At a meeting with the municipal leaders on October 4, the Vice President said he hopes that more South African students will come to study at Hai Phong-based Vietnam Maritime University, noting his country’s coastline of around 3,000 km.

Vietnam and South Africa have cooperated in various fields, he said, citing the annual two-way trade of 8 billion ZAR (roughly 586 million USD).

South Africa hopes to expand the collaboration and import Vietnamese farm produce, he noted.

Vice Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Nguyen Thi Nghia said the Vice President’s visit is a vivid demonstration of the friendship and cooperation between the two countries in the spirit of the partnership for cooperation and development.

She expressed her hope that Hai Phong and South African localities and partners will step up their economic, cultural and trade links, especially in the fields of shipbuilding and fisheries.

Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Van Tung said Hai Phong has optimal conditions to become a centre of economy, industry, trade and services of the region and a trading port of regional standards.

Upwards of 400 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects valued at 12.8 billion USD from 36 countries and territories worldwide are underway in the city, he said, stressing that Hai Phong is pitching for domestic and foreign investors, including those from South Africa.

Hai Phong will create the best possible conditions for businesses and partners, he promised.

Later on the day, Vice President Cyril Ramaphosa made a field trip to the Pha Rung Shipyard Company in Thuy Nguyen district.

VNA