State President hosts welcome ceremony for Burundian counterpart
The relationship between Vietnam and Burundi will continue developing across multiple sectors, especially economy, trade, and investment on the back of strong political determination from leaders of both countries, abundant resources, and potential for collaboration. This partnership will contribute to realising each country's socio-economic development strategies while promoting peace, stability, prosperity, and development in both regions and continents.
State President Luong Cuong (right) and President of Burundi Evariste Ndayishimiye at a welcome ceremony for the latter in Hanoi on April 4. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) 🍬– State President Luong Cuong and his spouse chaired a welcome ceremony in Hanoi on April 4 for President of Burundi Evariste Ndayishimiye and his spouse, who are paying an official visit to Vietnam from April 3-6.
The visit, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties (April 16, 1975-2025) is considered a historical milestone in the two countries' relations, reflecting their desire to further strengthen the friendship and cooperation in the fields of politics, economy, trade, culture and society.
Diplomatic relations between the two nations were established on April 16, 1975. Vietnam and Burundi share many similarities in history and culture, with both having experienced struggles against colonialism. Burundi's leaders consider Vietnam as an example in the struggle for national liberation as well as national construction and development.
State President Luong Cuong and President of Burundi Evariste Ndayishimiye review the guard of honour at the welcome ceremony. (Photo: VNA)
Over the past 50 years, the two countries have maintained fine relations through both Party and State channels. High-level exchanges have strengthened these ties, including Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's meeting with President Ndayishimiye on the sidelines of the 78th UN General Assembly in September 2023, and Secretary General of the National Council for the Defence of Democracy – Forces for the Defence of Democracy Révérien Ndikuriyo’s working visit to Vietnam in July 2024.
Economic and trade ties between the two countries have shown promising growth, with two-way trade topping 2 million USD in 2024. Vietnam primarily ships machinery, equipment, and computer and components to while importing minerals, ores, and animal feed from the African country.
A standout achievement in bilateral cooperation is the investment project by Vietnam's Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group in Burundi. Since establishing operations in 2013 as a joint venture with 85% ownership, Viettel launched its mobile network under the Lumitel brand across Burundi in June 2015. After a decade of operations, Lumitel has become the leading telecommunications provider in Burundi and one of the largest contributors to the Burundian government's budget, providing stable employment for over 60,000 workers and indirectly creating around 100,000 jobs.
With the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in 2021, Vietnam's trade with African markets is expected to increase significantly. Vietnam, a dynamic economy in Southeast Asia, has seen Africa, particularly East Africa, as a new, potential market rich in resources with numerous cooperation opportunities.
The relationship between the two countries will continue developing across multiple sectors, especially economy, trade, and investment on the back of strong political determination from leaders of both countries, abundant resources, and potential for collaboration. This partnership will contribute to realising each country's socio-economic development strategies while promoting peace, stability, prosperity, and development in both regions and continents.
After the welcome ceremony, President Luong Cuong and President Évariste Ndayishimiye had a private meeting and then led the two countries' high-level delegations to talks, which aim to evaluate the results of bilateral cooperation over the past time, and propose directions for the coming time. The two leaders will also witness the signing of a number of cooperation documents./.
After a decade of operations, Lumitel has become the leading telecommunications provider in Burundi and one of the largest contributors to the Burundian government's budget, providing stable employment for over 60,000 workers and indirectly creating around 100,000 jobs.
President Ndayishimiye’s Vietnam visit is expected to be a catalyst for unlocking untapped cooperation potential, said Vietnamese Ambassador to Tanzania and Burundi.
The trip will be made at the invitations of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
At the conference, participants reported that the Government has so far issued 28 decrees on the delegation of responsibilities and powers between the central Government and two-tier local administrations. Several localities have already piloted the new governance model.
Reality is the ultimate benchmark for success, he said, urging drafting agencies to work out policies that foster development, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and respect practical conditions.
Under the official dispatch signed on June 20, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees are requested to concentrate efforts on implementing core measures to ensure the smooth operations of the new administrative framework.
The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
