Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye’s official visit to Vietnam from April 3-6 symbolizes a commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation in various fields. These include economic, political, cultural, and social sectors. The nations have maintained ties for over 50 years, largely through high-level exchanges and mutual support at international forums. Economic cooperation is exemplified by Viettel’s successful operations in Burundi, with future collaboration expected to grow especially in agriculture and trade.
The official visit of Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye to Vietnam from April 3 to 6 marks a significant step towards strengthening bilateral cooperation across various sectors including politics, economy, trade, culture, and society. This visit demonstrates both countries’ commitment to enhancing their relationship, as highlighted by Vietnamese Ambassador to Tanzania and Burundi, Vu Thanh Huyen.
Vietnam and Burundi share a rich historical context, having both fought against colonialism. Burundi regards Vietnam as a model for national liberation and development. Diplomatic ties were established on April 16, 1975, but neither country has an embassy in the other’s capital; current diplomatic functions are managed by Vietnam’s embassy in Tanzania and Burundi’s embassy in China.
Over the past half-century, interactions between the two nations have flourished through both Party and State channels. Notable high-level meetings, such as Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s encounter with President Ndayishimiye during the recent UN General Assembly, have further solidified these relations. Furthermore, the appointment of Juvenal Sakubu as Vietnam’s Honorary Consul in Burundi plays a crucial role in fostering economic cooperation and cultural exchanges.
Vietnam and Burundi have supported one another in international forums, including the UN. Recently, Burundi endorsed Vietnam’s candidacies for non-permanent membership on the UN Security Council and membership on the World Heritage Committee. Additionally, agreements such as a visa exemption for diplomatic passport holders and a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in information and communications were signed to facilitate bilateral relations.
The economic and trade relationship between Vietnam and Burundi has demonstrated substantial growth, with trade surpassing 2 million USD. Vietnam mainly exports machinery and equipment to Burundi, while importing minerals and animal feed. A notable venture is Viettel’s investment in Burundi, which has significantly impacted the telecommunications sector and contributed to the local economy through job creation and governmental revenue.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Huyen emphasized that President Ndayishimiye’s visit signifies a historic milestone for both nations. Burundi’s agricultural strengths, particularly in coffee and tea, alongside efforts to modernize production and attract investments in mining and infrastructure, present cooperative opportunities. The establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area is expected to enhance trade, making Africa, particularly East Africa, a promising market for Vietnam.
The bilateral partnership is poised for future growth as both countries work towards economic, trade, and investment advancements, driven by strong political will from leadership. This alliance holds potential for furthering socio-economic strategies, fostering peace, and promoting stability and development in both regions.
In summary, the official visit of Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye signifies a pivotal moment in Vietnam-Burundi relations, emphasizing a shared commitment to cooperation across various fields. With a history of mutual support and emerging economic ties exemplified by Viettel’s success in Burundi, both nations are well-positioned to expand their partnership. The future cooperation prospects appear promising, particularly with agricultural, trade, and investment opportunities that align with both countries’ strategic goals for economic development.
Original Source: en.vietnamplus.vn
