The statement was made by Phan Anh Son, President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) at the reception for Nocawe Mafu, South African Deputy Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture in Hanoi on October 2. The reception was held during her visit to Vietnam.

According to Phan Anh Son, the first delegations from Vietnam and South Africa met at the Bandung Conference in Indonesia in 1955. Over nearly 70 years, the relations between the two countries have developed in many aspects, from politics and diplomacy, to science, technology, and education.

Confident in the two countries' ample potential for cooperation, the VUFO President said that the relations between the two countries need to be strengthened through specific actions.

"We are willing to work with Ms. Deputy Minister and the South African Embassy in Vietnam to strengthen relations between the two countries, especially in the field of people-to-people diplomacy. We also hope that South African partners will support VUFO by suggesting methods to deepen people-to-people relations between the two countries," said Phan Anh Son.

He added that VUFO and the South African Embassy in Vietnam will coordinate a number of activities to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) held a reception for Nocawe Mafu, South African Deputy Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture in Hanoi on October 2 (Photo: Thu Ha)

For her part, Deputy Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture of South Africa Nocawe Mafu said Vietnam and South Africa have enjoyed sustainable relations throughout history. The traditional friendship between the two countries needs to be deepened in many fields, not just politics.

In particular, it is necessary to promote relations between friendship associations and non-governmental organizations, through which the two countries will become more connected and better understand each other's cultures.

Through this visit, Deputy Minister Nocawe Mafu hopes to increase exchanges in culture, arts, and sports to nurture the friendship between the two peoples.

In 2023, Vietnam and South Africa celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations establishment. This month, South Africa celebrates Heritage Day with festivals and art programs taking place across the country. The South African Embassy will organize activities to commemorate this important event in Hanoi.

Appreciating VUFO's role and activities, Deputy Minister Nocawe Mafu said that through people's diplomacy, VUFO can better connect people and approach fields and issues with higher efficiency in conditions where official state diplomacy faces difficulty or less effectiveness.

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