Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc (R) and Moroccan Ambassador Jamale Chouaibi toast at the celebration of the 60th anniversary of Africa Day in Hanoi on May 25. (Photo: VNA) The event was attendedby representatives of the embassies of many African countries, including Egypt,Algeria, Angola, Libya, Mozambique, Morocco, South Africa, and Nigeria, alongwith those of the diplomatic corps in Hanoi and officials from many Vietnameseministries and sectors.
Addressing the event,Ngoc highlighted the significance of Africa Day, whichmarks the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which is nowthe African Union (AU), exactly 60 years ago.
He highly valued the enormousdevelopment achievements of Africa over the past years, especially the establishmentof the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and hailed contributions by the AU and people ofAfrican countries to the settlement of global challenges to help maintainregional and global peace, stability, cooperation, and development.
The Deputy Minister voiced hisbelief that in the near future, Africa will become one of the new growthpowerhouses in the world.
With regard tobilateral relations, Ngoc affirmed Vietnam always treasures the traditionalcooperation and friendship with African countries, and adding that it is ready toenhance partnerships with African countries in economy, trade, and investment,among others and act as a bridge connecting the AU and the Regional EconomicCommunities (RECs) with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
He called on Africancountries to continue supporting Vietnam’s legitimate concerns and interests,and backing each other at multilateral forums such as the UnitedNations and the Non-Aligned Movement.
Representing Africanambassadors to Vietnam, Moroccan Ambassador Jamale Chouaibi stressed thatrelations between Africa and Vietnam took shape during their struggles fornational liberation and safeguarding.
He expressed hisdelight at the unceasingly promoted ties between Vietnam and African countries,particularly in trade, investment, tourism, banking, and digital transformation.Vietnam is among important trading partners of Africa, with bilateral tradetopping 7 billion USD in 2022, and also a development model for many countriesin the continent, the ambassador added.
Palestinian Ambassador SaadiSalama, head of the diplomatic corps in Hanoi, highly valued the relationsbetween Vietnam and African countries, noting their connections have been growingin multiple fields, including politics, trade, investment, agriculture, healthcare, peace building, and sharing of economic reform experience.
Salama believed that the long-standing friendship and solidarity between Vietnam and African nations will keep flourishing for thesake of both sides./.
VNA
