South Africa is honoured to have received H.E. Vo Thi Anh Xuan, Vice President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, on an Official Visit to South Africa. Commemorating three decades of formal diplomatic relations. The 78th anniversary of independence was celebrated with Honourable Mr Pravin Gordhan, Minister of Public Enterprises of South Africa , Excellencies, High Commissioner’s and distinguished guests.
In August 1945, under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President Ho Chi Minh, millions of Vietnamese people rallied as one to carry out the General Uprising , overthrowing the yoke of feudal and colonial reigns and reclaiming leadership of the people. On 2nd September 1945, President Ho Chi Minh solemnly read the Declaration of Independence of Vietnam, proclaiming the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
The victory of the 1945 August Revolution is one of the most glorious chapters in the history of Vietnam. It underscores the remarkable strength of the great national unity and ushered in a quantum leap for the Vietnamese nation. The people of Vietnam were able to escape subjugation and retake ownership of their country and their own fate.
Since then, in the spirit of ” Nothing is more precious than Independence and freedom ” the Vietnamese nation has fought valiantly through countless arduous wars , with millions of individuals having laid down their lives for national liberation and unification, and for the building and protection of their Motherland.
As a nation barely known in the world in 1945, Vietnam has now become a country with diplomatic ties with 192 countries. Vietnam is a country of peace, friendship, cooperation and development and a beautiful and hospital nation.
Marking 30 years of diplomatic ties between South Africa and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam , the last three decades of diplomatic relations have seen the two countries work tirelessly to tighten bilateral bonds. Nurturing a strong friendship and solidarity and Cooperation both countries are leading partners in South East Asia and Africa.
Vietnam looks forward to a brighter and productive future with South Africa .
Minister Mr Pravin Gordhan congratulated Vietnam on behalf of the government of South Africa and its people on Vietnams 78th anniversary of Independence.
Minister Mr Gordon extended a very warm welcome to Vice President H.E. Vo Thi Anh Xuan and her delegation on their visit to South Africa for the joint celebrations of Vietnams National Day and the inauguration of Vietnam day in South Africa in this year the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries which is seen as a great privilege.
Vietnam was among the Asian countries that took part in the historic 1955 Asia Africa conference in Indonesia and it was at this conference that the seeds of solidarity and Cooperation between the South African liberation movement and that of Vietnam were sown.
South Africa looks forward to having tourism increase from Vietnam as people to people contact is important.
South African looks forward to further deeping of bilateral cooperation with Vietnam on many different levels.
Guests enjoyed various performances including the Lotus Dance , a parade of various traditional costumes and interactive arts and crafts that everyone could participate in.
To solidarity, friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and South Africa
by Marion Kate
