The Honorary Consulate of South Africa in Ho Chi Minh City hosted a ceremony on April 21^st to mark South Africa’s 24^th Freedom Day (April 27^th, 1994-2018), the 25^th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties with Vietnam (1993-2018), and the 100^th birth anniversary of late President Nelson Mandela (1918 - 2018).

South African Ambassador to Vietnam Mpetjane Kgaogelo Lekgoro presents aids supporting charitable activities in Vietnam. (Photo: South African Consulate in HCMC)

Speaking at the event, South African Ambassador to Vietnam Mpetjane Kgaogelo Lekgoro highlighted the progressive developments in relations between the two nations.

The two countries agreed to intensify their time-honoured friendship and multifaceted cooperation, especially in politics, trade, justice, science, technology, and defence.

The bilateral collaboration in telecommunications, training, and crime prevention has also been stepped up since the South Africa-Vietnam Inter-Governmental Partnership Forum was set up in 2004, he added.

Mentioning the role of South Africa’s Honorary Consul in HCM City Do Thi Kim Lien, the ambassador affirmed that she has made great contributions to boosting bilateral ties by initiating and organising various exchange programmes and trade promotion activities.

The Honorary Consul had received a letter of compliment from the South African Government for her active contributions in raising its profile within Vietnam, Lekgoro said.

Le Quang Long, Director of the municipal Department of Foreign Affairs, said Vietnam always attaches importance to the partnership for cooperation and development with South Africa.

He showed his belief that the bilateral relationship will develop to be even stronger this year thanks to the concerted efforts of both sides, for the common interests of their people.

Do Thi Kim Lien (R), Honorary Consul of South Africa, grants aids to support charitable activities in Tra Vinh. (Photo: South African Consulate in HCMC)

On this occasion, the Honorary Consulate of South Africa provided an aid grant worth VND 5 billion (USD 220,000) to support charitable activities in Vietnam, including building houses for the poor, caring for Heroic Vietnamese Mothers, and awarding scholarships to academically gifted poor students and disabled students./.

VNF