President Luong Cuong holds talks with Burundian counterpart Ndayishimiye in Ha Noi

Luong welcomed the first official visit to Viet Nam by President Ndayishimiye, highlighting the significance of the visit, which coincides with the celebrations of the 50th founding anniversary of the Viet Nam -Burundi diplomatic relations (April 16, 1975-2025), the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975-2025), and the 80th anniversary of the National Day of Viet Nam (September 2, 1945-2025).

President Luong expressed his belief that the visit will usher in a new phase in the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries, affirming Viet Nam attaches importance to its relations with African nations, including Burundi, a long-time friend and supporter of Viet Nam in both its struggle for national independence and its current course of national development.

He praised the achievements that Burundi has made in maintaining political stability, fostering national harmony, and promoting socio-economic development, expressing his belief that under President Ndayishimiye's leadership, Burundi will successfully achieve its goals and make further contributions to peace, stability, and development in the region.

President Ndayishimiye expressed his admiration for Viet Nam's struggle for independence and the significant achievements the country has made in socio-economic development, as well as in enhancing its international standing.

Despite the geographical distance, the two nations' peoples remain united, sharing warm and friendly feelings and supporting each other, noted Ndayishimiye.

Ndayishimiye emphasized that his visit aims to reaffirm Burundi's commitment to strengthening and developing its friendship and cooperation with Viet Nam, particularly in investment, agriculture, mining, science and technology, and digital transformation, and suggested the two sides establish permanent diplomatic missions in each other's country.

The two leaders agreed to enhance high-level exchanges and strengthen political trust through various channels, as well as to effectively implement bilateral cooperation mechanisms, especially the political consultations between the two foreign ministries.

The two sides acknowledged the developments in economic cooperation, notably the success of the Lumitel telecommunications joint venture with the engagement of Viet Nam's Viettel Group, which has make contributions to economic development while benefiting both nations' citizens.

Both sides recognized the untapped potential for further increasing bilateral trade and agreed to promote information exchange about market need, industries, investment opportunities, and to facilitate business connections and cooperation. They concurred to diversify trade items, identify priority sectors, and make it easier for key exports of both nations to access each other's markets.

The two leaders agreed to continue promoting collaboration in the areas matching their strengths and special interest, particularly agriculture; share development experiences; and actively negotiate to sign cooperation agreements to perfect the legal framework for facilitating cooperation activities.

President Luong took the occasion to thank the Burundian President for supporting and creating favourable conditions for the telecoms joint venture of Viettel, as well as for other Vietnamese businesses to operate and do business stably and sustainably in the African country.

At the talks, the two leaders also exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual concern. The Vietnamese President appreciated contributions by Burundi, as well as President Evariste Ndayishimiye personally in his role as First Vice-Chairperson of the African Union (AU) in 2025 and as a coordinator of the AU's agenda on youth, peace, and security.

The two sides agreed to enhance coordination, cooperation, and mutual support at international organisations, and multilateral and inter-regional forums, particularly the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement. The President of Burundi expressed his willingness to act as a bridge and support Viet Nam in strengthening cooperation with the AU and establishing relations with the East African Community.

Regarding the East Sea issue, President Luong called on Burundi to support ASEAN's stance on solving disputes by peaceful means on the basis of international law, particularly the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as well as ASEAN's efforts to build the East Sea into a sea of peace, stability, cooperation, and sustainable development.

The Burundian President invited his Vietnamese counterpart to pay an official visit to the country in the near future, President Luong accepted the invitation with pleasure.

After the talks, the two Presidents witnessed the signing of two cooperation documents: a framework agreement on cooperation between the two Governments and a memorandum of understanding on the establishment of the political and diplomatic consultation mechanism./.