In a significant move to bolster bilateral ties, Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong and Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye held official talks in Hanoi on Friday. The meeting, part of President Ndayishimiye’s official visit to Vietnam from Thursday to Sunday, underscored both nations’ commitment to strengthening cooperation across various sectors, including trade, investment, agriculture, and digital transformation.
President Cuong welcomed his Burundian counterpart, expressing his belief that the visit would herald a new era in the friendship and cooperation between the two countries. He emphasized Vietnam’s high regard for its relations with African nations, including Burundi, highlighting the potential for mutual growth and development. President Ndayishimiye, in turn, conveyed his appreciation for Vietnam’s warm hospitality and admiration for its historic struggle for independence. Despite the geographical distance, he noted, the two nations have always maintained a bond of solidarity and mutual goodwill.
The Burundian President outlined his visit’s objectives, aiming to strengthen cooperation in multiple fields such as investment, agriculture, mining, science and technology, and digital transformation. He also expressed his desire for both countries to consider opening permanent diplomatic missions in each other’s capitals, a move that could significantly enhance bilateral relations.
The talks highlighted the positive progress in economic ties, with both leaders praising the successful operation of Lumitel, a telecommunications joint venture by Vietnam’s Viettel Group in Burundi. They agreed on measures to further boost trade, including sharing market information, promoting investment opportunities, and creating favorable conditions for businesses to connect and collaborate. Diversifying trade items, improving market access, and enhancing cooperation in key sectors, particularly agriculture, were also discussed.
To facilitate these initiatives, the two sides committed to speeding up negotiations and signing new cooperation agreements. This will improve the legal framework and facilitate the implementation of joint activities. President Cuong thanked his Burundian counterpart for supporting Vietnamese businesses in Burundi, expressing hope for continued favorable conditions for Viettel and other Vietnamese companies operating in the country.
President Ndayishimiye affirmed Burundi’s readiness to act as a bridge to help Vietnam enhance cooperation with the African Union and establish ties with the East African Community. He also extended a formal invitation to President Cuong to visit Burundi, which was warmly accepted.
Following the talks, both leaders witnessed the signing of two important cooperation documents: a framework agreement on government-to-government cooperation and a memorandum of understanding on political and diplomatic consultations. These agreements are expected to provide a solid foundation for future collaborations and strengthen the bilateral relationship between Vietnam and Burundi.
The visit and the subsequent agreements mark a significant step forward in the bilateral relations between Vietnam and Burundi. By focusing on key sectors such as agriculture, digital transformation, and trade, both nations are poised to benefit from enhanced cooperation and mutual growth. The potential opening of permanent diplomatic missions and the commitment to supporting businesses in each other’s countries further underscore the depth of the relationship and the shared vision for a prosperous future.
