Vietnam, Côte d'Ivoire mark 50 years of diplomatic ties with ceremony in Abidjan
Vietnamese Ambassador to Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire Le Kim Quy traced the 50-year journey of bilateral relationship, noting strides in political dialogue, mutual support at international forums like the United Nations, the Francophonie, and the Non-Aligned Movement, and robust economic ties anchored in trade and investment.
Évariste Koffi Yapi, Secretary General of Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Ivorians Abroad, speaks at the event. (Photo: VNA)
Abidjan (VNA) – A ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of Vietnam - Côte d'Ivoire diplomatic ties (October 6, 1975 - 2025) was held in Abidjan city on July 11 night (local time), blending cultural performances, fashion, and cuisine to cဣelebrate a half-century of growing ties.
Co-hosted by the Vietnamese Embassy in Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Ivorians Abroad, and the Ministry of Culture and Francophonie of Côte d’Ivoire’s, the event saw the presence of Vietnamese National Assembly Vice Chairman Vu Hong Thanh.
In her address, Vietnamese Ambassador to Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire Le Kim Quy traced the 50-year journey of bilateral relationship, noting strides in political dialogue, mutual support at international forums like the United Nations, the Francophonie, and the Non-Aligned Movement, and robust economic ties anchored in trade and investment.
She highlighted a unique cultural connection, with thousands of local youths practicing traditional Vietnamese martial arts and a thriving Vietnamese community in Côte d’Ivoire contributing to local life through cuisine, crafts, and services.
Évariste Koffi Yapi, Secretary General of Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Ivorians Abroad, lauded the enduring friendship, which has evolved from political cooperation to encompass strong economic ties and, increasingly, rich cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
The event captivated attendees with a joint performance by Vietnamese and Ivorian artists, weaving together the ethereal sounds of Vietnam’s Miao flute and monochord with West African rhythms and traditional dances. The performance brought the audience from the misty highlands of Vietnam to the serene Ébrié lagoons of Côte d’Ivoire, blending rural folk dances with vibrant African choreography.
The Vietnamese delegation at the event. (Photo: VNA)
A highlight was a fashion show featuring traditional Vietnamese long dresses designed by Miss Vietnam Dang Thi Ngoc Han, inspired by the intricate Kim Hoang folk painting tradition. Performed by members of the Vietnamese community in Côte d’Ivoire, the show drew enthusiastic applause.
A photo exhibition, curated with archival images from the Vietnam News Agency, chronicled the 50-year diplomatic journey, captivating visitors with its historical sweep.
The event doubled as a networking hub for the Vietnamese community in Côte d’Ivoire, who shared signature dishes like pho and nem (fried spring rolls) with international guests./.
President of Cote d’Ivoire Alassane Ouattara has spoken highly of Vietnam's achievements in socio-economic development and international integration, affirming that it has always been a model for his country.
Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and Chairman of the CPV Central Committee's Commission for External Relations Le Hoai Trung hosted a reception in Hanoi on May 3 for a delegation from the Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP), the ruling Party of Ivory Coast.
A delegation from the Cashew Exporters Association of Ivory Coast (AEC-CI) held a working session with representatives from the Cashew Association of Binh Phuoc province on December 7 on cooperation possibilities between the two sides.
US Ambassador Marc Knapper affirmed that the US is ready to continue working with Vietnam to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and advance the bilateral relationship, based on mutual respect for each other’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political systems.
Son and Rubio expressed their delight that their meeting coincides with the 30th anniversary of Vietnam-US diplomatic ties (July 12). They reviewed extraordinary strides made in various areas over the past three decades, especially since the upgrade of the bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023.
Thanh highlighted that the Ho Chi Minh Space is not only a special cultural and historical landmark, but also a source of inspiration for the human values, independence, and the quest for freedom that President Ho Chi Minh steadfastly pursued throughout his life.
With trust and mutual respect, Vietnam and the US are writing a new chapter of long-term cooperation, for the benefit of the people of the two countries and for peace and prosperity in the region and the world.
This stride was made possible by a shared commitment to building bridges of friendship rooted in trust, strategic vision, and strong public support of both sides.
Thirty years ago, in the night of July 11, 1995 (US time), US President Bill Clinton officially announced the normalisation of diplomatic relations with Vietnam. In the early morning of July 12, 1995 (Vietnam time), Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet officially announced the normalisation of diplomatic relations with the US.
The seminar was the first activity in during Thanh’s visit, the first-ever by a top Vietnamese legislator since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1975.
Hansen said Denmark attaches importance to the Comprehensive Partnership and Green Strategic Partnership with Vietnam while speaking highly of the positive development in the bilateral relations over the recent past.
The Party Central Committee’s Politburo and Secretariat on July 11 announced disciplinary measures against three incumbent and former officials for serious violations of the Party's regulations and the State's laws while performing their duties.
HCM City, as Vietnam’s vibrant economic and cultural hub, has played a pivotal role in fostering cooperation between the two countries. French businesses, as well as educational, health care, heritage conservation, and urban development organisations have maintained an active and visible presence in the city.
Over the past three decades, two-way trade has increased more than 300 times, with Vietnam becoming a major player in global supply chains. Many major US corporations now view Vietnam as a strategic manufacturing and consumer market, while more Vietnamese firms are entering the highly competitive US market.
Three decades since the normalisation of bilateral ties, thanks to tireless efforts from both nations, Vietnam and the US have built mutual trust, becoming friends and comprehensive strategic partners across all sectors.
The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.
People-to-people exchange has long served as a vital bridge between Vietnam and China, forming a strong social foundation for building trust, fostering cooperation, and maintaining peace. In celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2025, the two Parties and Governments have jointly designated the year as the “Year of Vietnam-China Humanistic Exchange,” reflecting a shared strategic vision to promote sustainable bilateral relations rooted in public engagement.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son held separate meetings with the foreign ministers of China, Australia, and Algeria on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM-58) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on July 10.
The Lao Vice President asked the Central Committees of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (HCYU) and the Lao People's Revolutionary Youth Union (LPRYU) to continue enhancing coordination to effectively implement their 2022–2027 cooperation agreement, especially in youth exchanges and education of younger generations about the countries’ traditional ties.
Three former US ambassadors to Vietnam have shared their views on the past achievements and future prospects of bilateral relations as the two countries celebrate the 30th anniversary of the normalisation of their diplomatic relations this July.
National Assembly (NA) Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Thanh held talks with French Senate Vice President Loic Hervé and French NA Vice-President Nadège Abomangoli, met with Anne Le Hénanff, Chairwoman of the France – Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group (FVFG) in the French NA, and Amélia Lakrafi, General Delegate of the APF.
