Diplomat highlights significance of Prime Minister South Africa visit

The ambassador highlighted that the trip will further solidify the political and diplomatic foundations and unlock a "new horizon" for economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. South Africa has remained Viet Nam's largest trading partner in Africa for many years, with bilateral trade consistently exceeding US$1 billion and reaching more than US$1.7 billion in 2024.

This year's G20 Summit, the first to be held in South Africa, is expected to focus primarily on global issues such as sustainable development,.

Ambassador Hoang noted that Prime Minister Pham's participation at this year's G20 Summit will underscore Viet Nam's role as an active, constructive voice in Southeast Asia and reinforce the presence of developing nations in global conversations on sustainability and economic justice. His participation is also expected to strengthen Viet Nam's standing at international forums.

The diplomat added that the visit will help build on the outcomes of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's state visit to Viet Nam last month, while laying groundwork for elevating bilateral ties to a higher level. Such an upgrade would create new momentum for deeper, more substantive cooperation across multiple fields.

During the visit, Pham is expected to focus on expanding trade and investment links, with the goal of further increasing two-way trade. He will also explore ways to leverage South Africa's strategic position as a gateway to the African market and tap into the underdeveloped potential for reciprocal investment. Collaboration in emerging sectors — including the digital economy and digital transformation — as well as discussions on global challenges such as climate change and sustainable development, will also be high on the agenda.

According to Ambassador Hoang, these priority areas not only align with shared interests but also support broader G20 objectives and contribute to promoting South–South cooperation.

He expressed confidence that the Prime Minister's visit will deliver concrete outcomes, particularly in advancing efforts to upgrade bilateral ties, opening new avenues for economic cooperation, and strengthening shared commitments through the creation and implementation of an action plan that matches the new partnership framework.

Viet Nam ready to jointly address global issues 

This is the sixth time Viet Nam has been invited to the G20 Summit, reflecting the growing recognition of the international community for the country's positive contributions at global forums with significant roles and influence, such as the G20.

Viet Nam was first invited to attend the G20 Summit in 2010 as the Chair of ASEAN. At this summit, Viet Nam proposed and advocated for several issues of developing countries, such as climate change, with an initiative for the G20 to establish a special fund to support countries severely impacted by climate change, and the creation of a forum for coastal nations to address climate change and protect marine ecosystems, trade, and development.

As the host of APEC in 2017, Viet Nam was invited to attend the G20 Summit in Germany, during which Viet Nam proposed the group to develop a new global framework to promote free trade, transfer technology for digital products and services, and consider establishing a global forum on startups to share experience and best practices on innovative entrepreneurship.

In 2019, Japan invited Viet Nam to attend the G20 Summit as a guest, during which Viet Nam suggested the G20 promote the establishment of a global network for sharing oceanic and marine data and work towards a global framework for preventing marine plastic waste.

In 2020, it was invited for the fourth time to the G20 Summit in Saudi Arabia as the Chair of ASEAN 2020. The Prime Minister of Viet Nam participated in the G20 Summit on COVID-19 Response, held in March, and the annual G20 Summit in November via an online format, helping to enhance Viet Nam's reputation as an active member, making responsible contributions to addressing global common issues.

In 2024, Viet Nam was invited for the fifth time to attend the G20 Summit in Brazil. At this summit, Viet Nam joined the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty initiative, and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh proposed three strategic assurances for the global fight against poverty. During Brazil's G20 Presidency in 2024, a Call to Action on Global Governance Reform was issued, which was the first document initiated by the G20 and open to all United Nations member states for participation. Viet Nam was one of the pioneering developing countries to support the Call to Action, contributing to the reform of global governance mechanisms to be more equitable and effective.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Hang emphasized that Viet Nam's participation in G20 Summits strongly affirms the country’s growing reputation, position, and role, as well as the recognition and high regard of its partners, especially the G20, for its development achievements and its substantial, responsible contributions to global common issues.

As a guest of the G20 Chair, Prime Minister Pham is expected to share key policy messages, with a focus on several important areas to contribute to efforts aimed at boosting global economic growth, minimising risks, and fostering cooperation in strategic sectors such as minerals, energy, reforming the global trade, financial, and investment systems during this period of reshaping and building new global rules and frameworks.

Through these messages, initiatives, and specific proposals, the international community will gain a clearer understanding of Viet Nam as a nation determined to innovate and step into a new era of growth; a country that continues to be a reliable partner, ever more proactive, positive, responsible, and fully committed to peace, stability, cooperation, and sustainable development for humanity./.