A ceremony was held in Ha Noi on August 26 to mark the 10th anniversary of the Viet Nam-Botswana diplomatic relations.

Deputy Foreign Minister Tran Quoc Cuong (L) and Botswana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Unity Dow at the celebration (Photo: baoquocte.vn)

Addressing the event, Deputy Foreign Minister Tran Quoc Cuong said Viet Nam and Africa have shared cooperative relations on a foundation of solidarity and mutual support during their national independence struggles in the past as well as present national development.

Viet Nam has always worked to develop all-round partnership with African countries, including Botswana, the official stated.

He said Viet Nam is delighted at achievements the Government and people of Botswana have gained over the years, with high growth making Botswana one of the countries with the most developed economies in Africa.

Cuong said Viet Nam highly values Botswana’s connecting role in the Southern African Development Community.

He noted that over the past decade, although the two sides have enjoyed remarkable attainments in many cooperation areas, results have yet to match their great potential.

The Deputy FM expressed his belief that after the visit by Botswana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Unity Dow, more effective cooperation programmes will be implemented.

With its experience in national construction and development as well as in cooperation with African countries in various fields, Viet Nam is willing to work with the government and people of Botswana towards the country’s target of becoming a developed country.

Cuong said he hopes that in the future, Viet Nam and Botswana will bolster their cooperation, meeting the aspirations and interests of both peoples.

For her part, the Botswana minister said her first visit to Viet Nam is being made as the two sides are celebrating the 10th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations, and expressed her impression on Viet Nam’s growth.

Noting that the Viet Nam-Botswana partnership is expanding in various areas, the official said Botswana wishes to learn from Viet Nam’s experience in socio-economic development.

She also expected that the relationship between Viet Nam and African countries, including Botswana, will continue to grow, contributing to global peace and prosperity.

(Source: VNA)