Hanoi: The warmth of friendship and the promise of deeper cooperation marked the State Banquet held in honour of President Cyril Ramaphosa and his delegation in Hanoi on Thursday evening, bringing to a close a day that symbolised a new chapter in South Africa-Vietnam relations.
According to South African Government News Agency, the banquet was hosted by President Luong Cu?ng at the International Convention Centre. It followed a day of official engagements that included a solemn visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a tªte- -tªte between the two leaders, and bilateral talks aimed at elevating relations between the two countries to a strategic partnership.
President Ramaphosa is on a three-nation visit to the Southeast Asia region, which kicked off in Indonesia, followed by the State Visit to Vietnam. It will conclude with a working visit to Malaysia.
In his toast remarks at Thursday’s State Banquet, President Ramaphosa expressed profound appreciation for the hospitality extended by the government and people of Vietnam, describing the visit as a moment of renewal between two nations bound by shared ideals of freedom, justice, and self-determination.
President Ramaphosa noted, ‘It is indeed a great honour to be here in Hanoi and to receive the generous hospitality extended by you, Your Excellency, the government and the people of Vietnam. Once again, we extend, as South Africans, our warmest congratulations to the government and the people of Vietnam on your successful celebration of your 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and declaration of your independence.’
Reflecting on the morning’s visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the President said South Africa was honoured to pay tribute to Vietnam’s revered leader, whom he described as a symbol of courage and self-determination. He added, ‘You honoured us today by taking us to the mausoleum to pay our respects to your honoured leader, Ho Chi Minh, whom we all deeply respect and recognise as the father of your nation. Thank you very much for your remarks today, where you remembered and honoured the father of our nation, Nelson Mandela, as well.’
President Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, peace and security, and multilateral engagement, noting that both countries had complementary strengths that could be harnessed for shared prosperity. ‘Our invitation to Vietnam to participate in the G20 summit reflects the importance we attach to Vietnam’s voice in shaping global economic governance and sustainable development,’ he said, adding that South Africa looked forward to welcoming Vietnam’s Prime Minister as a special guest at the upcoming summit.
President Luong Cu?ng, in his toast, said he believed President Ramaphosa’s visit would ‘open a new, brighter chapter’ in the relations between the two nations, built on mutual respect and shared aspirations. ‘I also hope that in this new era of development for the Vietnamese nation, we will continue to receive the precious support and cooperation of our sincere friend and trusted partner – South Africa. For its part, Vietnam always stands ready to support South Africa on its path towards development and prosperity,’ President Luong Cu?ng said.
The evening concluded with a cultural performance celebrating Vietnam’s rich heritage, with the performing artists also singing some famous South African tunes, marking a fitting close to a day defined by camaraderie, shared history, and a mutual commitment to a prosperous future. As the two Presidents raised their glasses, the sentiment was clear: the partnership between South Africa and Vietnam is not only rooted in history but also poised to grow stronger in the years ahead.